Bearing just 9% alcohol and 48 grams per liter of residual sugar, the fruit for the 2009 Josephine Riesling is earlier harvested from Lot 8 in the vineyard. It reveals earthier, chalkier aromas with notes of crushed stones, lime cordial and poached pears plus some honeysuckle and acacia honey. Very crisp, well balanced, this sweeter, lighter bodied wine is wonderfully elegant with a very long finish. It’s very tempting to drink now but should soften and open more with a year or two in bottle and drink to 2019+. In the heart of Central Otago’s Bannockburn, Steve Green’s vineyards at Carrick may be teenagers, but are already beginning to provide a peek at just what they can produce. There are 22 hectare’s devoted to vines with the plantings taking place in 1994, 1996 and 1997. Jane Docherty has been the winemaker since 2008, taking over from Steve Davies.Owner Steve Green was in the process of negotiating with a new USA importer when I met with him.

The 2008 Josephine Sweet Reserve Riesling has a prudent nose with touches of cut grass, a faint hint of melted butter and white flowers. Good definition. The palate is well-balanced, medium-sweet, good acidity with an attractive finish of peach, honeysuckle and a touch of apricot lingering on the finish. Very pretty. Winemaker in Steve Davis continues to produce a solid portfolio of wines from his Bannockburn winery and has overseen a stunning Pinot Noir.Importer: Leucadia Cellars & Estates, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 403-5740

The debut release of the 2006 Josephine Sweet Reserve Riesling displays good balance and acidity, honed towards an upper Spatlese/lower Auslese style but just lacking the necessary acidity and tension. Located in Bannockburn, Central Otago, on the Cairnmuir Terraces, on gravel/sandy soil rich in silica, the emphasis here is upon Pinot Noir complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay. Winemaker Steve Davis has worked in California and Oregon.Importer: Leucadia Cellars & Estates, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 403-5740; fax (415) 399-1045