Tūpari Late Harvest Riesling 2024 (Marlborough)
top 5THE WORD TŪPARI in te reo Māori translates to cliff or precipice, and visitors to the Tūpari vineyard will understand. The site sits at an altitude of 150m-200m atop cliffs that survey some of the most stunning views in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. At one time, the riverside site was an apricot orchard. When winemaker Glenn Thomas leased the farm cottage he convinced owners – the Turnbull family – that the river terraces were the ideal tūrangawaewae for grape-growing. In a perfect collaboration, when vines replaced apricots in 2002, the Tūpari vineyard was born. With a commitment to delivering the very best wine, the winemaking team constantly look to improve viticultural and winemaking practices. They proudly boast a zero per cent chemical residue rating, not just for the wine, but for the protection of this and future generations. And for the land, which will reward those who, like the Tūpari families, consider themselves not owners but guardians of the land. With principles such as that, it’s no surprise that this wine was so beloved by our judges. A bright yellow-gold in the glass with aromas of jasmine flower, lime cordial and lemon curd that flow seamlessly on the palate. This wine is nothing short of superb. Honeyed and rich with orange marmalade and decadent tropical fruit flavours on the palate. Luscious sweetness that is lifted by bright, taut acidity that drives the wine to the long, decadent finish. Spectacular and a fitting swan song as the final top sweet wine.
