Critic ratings
robert_parker
2022
Rating:
94
–94
The 2022 Alea Riesling is made from fruit grown at the Grosset Rockwood vineyard. This is the off-dry Riesling in the lineup, and I can tell you now, the sugar, the phenolics and the acidity are in a textural mesh of harmony in the mouth. There is a cross-hatch component to the mouthfeel, and it suspends the fruit over the tongue and out over the long finish. This is a really smart, composed, long (at this stage, quiet) and concentrated example of Clare Valley Riesling, proving Jeff Grosset is the master of the craft still. Yum.
robert_parker
2019
Rating:
90
–90
With 7.5 grams per liter of residual sugar, the 2019 Alea Riesling is off-dry. Hints of lime and underripe peach mark the nose, while the light to medium-bodied palate is almost rainwater-like, showing only the merest bit of texture. The finish is lingering and tinged with classic Riesling notes of green apple.
robert_parker
2014
Rating:
92
–92
The 2014 Alea Riesling opens to fragrant aromas of white peaches, honey, yeast and allspice Off-dry, light-bodied and endowed with crisp acidity, it coats the palate with a lovely texture through the long finish.
robert_parker
2024
Rating:
94
–94
The 2024 Alea Riesling is velvety soft in the mouth, subtly focused and spicy. The residual sugar here holds the fruit in gently cupped hands and ushers it across the palate on downy, padded feet. This is a wine of persistence and finesse—gorgeous.
robert_parker
2023
Rating:
95
–95
The 2023 Alea Riesling leads with roasted pineapple, green apples, hints of lychee and juniper, lemon oil and coriander. The fruit is a little quieter this year, but it's no less "present." It is a beautiful wine, fleshy and soft, but it still remains tethered to the tracks of very fine, very firm acidity. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
91
–91
The 2015 Alea Riesling has aromas of honeyed pears and fresh apples with white peach and allspice hints. Off-dry and light-bodied with a wonderfully crisp backbone to counter, it finishes with loads of youthful citrus and spice layers.
robert_parker
2017
Rating:
92
–92
Grosset's 2017 Alea Riesling reminds me of a Spätlese feinherb or halbtrocken in style, with just a hint of residual sugar alongside its 12% alcohol. Lime zest and white peach notes appear on the nose, while the medium-bodied palate offers more succulence and generosity than Grosset's dry Rieslings. I'd opt for drinking it over the next few years, although I suspect it might drink well for a decade or more.
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
92
–92
Grown on a challenging yellowy, red-rock terroir in Watervale, the 2012 Alea Riesling shows a very pretty citrus, honey and floral nose with under-ripe pineapple and green apple nuances. With 16 grams per liter of residual sugar, the wine seems very dry, very refreshing and harmonious while showing some mineral notes on the long finish. Drink it from 2014 to 2021+.
Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons Ltd, NY, NY; www.frederickwildman.com
robert_parker
2013
Rating:
93
–93
The 2013 Alea Riesling presents pronounced aromas of yuzu zest, lemon juice and lime cordial with lilting nuances of honeyed peaches and spiced apple slices. Off-dry with a barely detectable touch of sweetness, the palate gives a lot of citrus and apple intensity at this youthful stage plus shows beautiful poise and a good long finish. Drink it now to 2025+.
Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons Ltd, NY, New York; www.frederickwildman.com
