Sato Central Otago Riesling 2020

PRODUCER: Yoshiaki & Kyoko Sato left the banking world to found Sato Wines, the first all-natural winemaking project in Central Otago in 2009. Since day one in 2009 Yoshiaki and Kyoko Sato have been working towards growing and making wines from their own estate. First starting with fruit sourced from organic vineyards, and then later farming Northburn Vineyard, the intention was always clear; to one day grow and produce wines from their own farm. Introducing La Ferme de Sato (Sato Farm), with the couple purchasing bare land in 2015, developing the vineyard for over one year, first planting in 2016, and then working tirelessly since to offer these wines with their first release from the 2019 vintage now in 2022. The vineyard is situated along the Mt Pisa Ridge, just north of Cromwell, where it is planted to Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. WINEMAKING: Whole bunch pressed, wild fermentation, matured in stainless steel for 10 months, minimal SO2 at bottling. Bone dry (<1g/L), mineral, linear style of Riesling. Beautifully precise, clean and crisp. TASTING NOTE: Bright pale straw yellow with touch of green hay. Slightly petrolly nose followed by the pure fruity flavour of lemon, citrus, crushed apple, pear and a bit of baked bread. A dry Riesling but the savoury yeasty creaminess brings rounded mouthfeel rather than sharp impression which this grape variety normally gives.