Mount Horrocks Riesling Watervale 2024

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley in South Australia is one of the country's most esteemed regions for Riesling, with Watervale consistently delivering some of the most celebrated examples. Sitting at 460 metres above sea level, the Mount Horrocks vineyard benefits from a cooler microclimate that allows for extended ripening. The soils here are a classic combination of red loam over limestone, a hallmark of Watervale, providing both excellent drainage and mineral depth that translates directly into the wines' distinctive purity.

This particular site is small—just 2.2 hectares—and unirrigated, producing naturally low yields that concentrate flavour and intensity. The vines are hand-pruned and trained with Vertical Shoot Positioning, a technique that optimises sun exposure and airflow, ensuring even ripening and maintaining vine health. Farming is certified organic and biodynamic, a commitment that reinforces both terroir expression and sustainability, reflecting Stephanie Toole's philosophy of minimal intervention yet meticulous attention to detail.

Winemaking

The grapes for the 2024 Watervale Riesling were hand-harvested in the cool of the morning to preserve freshness and aromatic vibrancy. Only free-run juice was used, capturing the purest essence of the fruit while avoiding any harsh phenolics. Fermentation occurred with neutral yeasts in stainless steel tanks to maintain absolute varietal clarity and terroir transparency.

Crucially, no malolactic fermentation took place, preserving the Riesling's natural acidity and electric citrus profile. The wine was bottled without fining, a choice that respects both texture and authenticity. This no-compromise approach highlights the hallmark of Mount Horrocks' style—precision, purity, and the capacity for graceful aging.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale lime green with a youthful luminosity, destined to deepen with bottle age.
• Aroma: Fresh spring florals, lime blossom and lime leaf, lifted by hints of crushed apple skin and delicate citrus zest.
• Palate: Crisp and vibrant, with crunchy green apple and juicy lemon-lime flavours dominating. The mouthfeel is tangy and zesty yet beautifully balanced, finishing with an almost ethereal elegance and promising long-term cellaring potential.

Did you know?

Mount Horrocks Wines is based in the restored Auburn Railway Station, which winemaker Stephanie Toole transformed into a cellar door in 1998. This unique setting has become an emblem of her commitment to marrying heritage, sustainability, and modern fine winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fresh oysters with lime - The wine's zesty acidity mirrors the briny freshness of oysters, enhancing both.
• Thai green curry - The vibrant citrus and floral lift balance aromatic spices and gentle heat.
• Goat's cheese tart - The tangy creaminess of goat's cheese finds a refreshing counterpoint in the wine's acidity.
• Grilled trout with herbs - The delicate elegance of the Riesling pairs seamlessly with light fish and fresh herbal notes.

History of Mount Horrocks

Stephanie Toole purchased Mount Horrocks in 1993, bringing a laser-focused, quality-first philosophy to this boutique project. In April 1998 she restored and reopened the historic Auburn Railway Station as the cellar door—now a beloved landmark for visitors travelling the Riesling Trail.

Over subsequent vintages she consolidated estate holdings and refined the range, matching varieties to specific sites and farming with increasing ecological ambition. By the mid-2010s the vineyards achieved organic certification, and they are now farmed biodynamically—an approach visible in the precision and textural detail of the wines.

In 2024 Toole was recognised as a Clare Valley "Legend", underscoring her long-term influence on the region's modern, terroir-driven identity.

Region and Vineyards

Mount Horrocks sits in South Australia's Clare Valley, a warm region moderated by afternoon breezes and notably cool nights. Vineyards are typically 300-500 m (with peaks above 570 m), delivering slow, even ripening and vivid natural acidity—especially for Riesling. Soils vary from limestone-rich red loams (Watervale) to broken slate (Polish Hill River), shaping markedly different expressions.

The estate farms multiple, carefully matched sites around Auburn and Watervale. The Alexander Vineyard in Watervale (planted solely to Shiraz/Syrah) sits near 475-480 m; a separate Watervale block grows Riesling, Semillon, Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon; and a dedicated site near the cellar door supplies the emblematic Cordon Cut Riesling. Total holdings are small (circa 10 ha), underpinning the winery's limited production ethos.

Wine Range of Mount Horrocks

The portfolio is compact and site-specific:

• Whites centre on Watervale Riesling (dry, line-driven and ageworthy) and Semillon (textural, often barrel-influenced), while the sweet Cordon Cut Riesling is a benchmark of its style.
• Reds include a fragrant, mid-weight Alexander Vineyard Shiraz and a vibrant Nero d'Avola—one of the Clare Valley's early plantings of the Sicilian grape—alongside a classic Cabernet Sauvignon.

All wines are estate grown, hand-picked and bottled under screwcap for longevity.

Did you know?

Mount Horrocks' Cordon Cut Riesling is made by physically cutting the vine canes once grapes are ripe, leaving bunches to desiccate naturally on the cordon. This controlled passerillage concentrates flavour while preserving Clare's hallmark acidity—an Australian classic pioneered and perfected at the estate.