Estate
Mitchell Wines, Clare Valley, founded 1975. James Halliday Five Star (top 10%). McNicol is the estate's aged-release range, held back in the winery's own cellar before going to market.
Region
Clare Valley, the reference point for Australian dry Riesling.
Variety & Style
⭐ Eleven years in bottle — and cellared by the winery itself, so there is no question about storage conditions in between. Aged Riesling transforms dramatically. The lime and mineral of youth turn to honey, toast, citrus peel and the note usually described as kerosene — a hallmark of mature Riesling, not a fault. The acid line remains.
What to Expect
If you have never tried aged Riesling, this is a good way in. But be prepared: it tastes nothing like a young wine. For fresh fruit, choose the Watervale 2024 (#47).
Serving
10–12°C — not too cold, or the aromatics close down. Aged cheese, grilled seafood, chicken.