The 2025 ChaLou Riesling is a vibrant cool-climate Riesling from Orange, New South Wales, crafted by Steve Mobbs and Nadja Wallington from high-altitude vineyards sitting around 900 metres above sea level. The combination of volcanic soils, cool nights and a long growing season allows the fruit to retain exceptional natural acidity while developing intense flavour concentration. Produced with a minimalist approach, the wine is a pure expression of both Riesling and the Orange region.
The nose is lifted and precise, revealing lime zest, lemon blossom and green apple alongside notes of jasmine, kaffir lime and crushed stone. The palate is tightly wound and energetic, with intense citrus fruit framed by racy acidity and a distinctive mineral backbone. Flavours of lime juice, grapefruit and green pear carry through a long, dry finish marked by freshness, tension and remarkable purity. The wine captures the hallmark precision and age-worthy structure that have made Orange one of Australia's leading Riesling regions.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A superb cool-climate Riesling that combines youthful vibrancy with serious cellaring potential. Crisp, mineral and wonderfully refreshing, it pairs beautifully with oysters, sashimi, grilled prawns, spicy Asian cuisine and fresh goat’s cheese. Enjoy now for its bright citrus energy or cellar through 2035 and beyond as it develops the classic toast, honey and kerosene complexity of great Riesling.
