Leefield Station Ridgeline Riesling

It’s a fully operational vineyard farm located in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley, it’s one of the oldest stations in Marlborough dating back to the 1840s and now owned by superstar winemaker Brent Marris. It’s Leefield Station and it’s Brent’s pride and joy.

Brent’s the guy behind The Ned wine label and way back in the day he started Wither Hills. He sure as hell knows how to make wine and he’s probably not short of a bit of coin. Back in 2012 he splashed out to buy this 2,200 hectare station which now hosts the annual Blenheim bull sale!

This is part of the Expressions of Leefield range – very limited release wines, small parcels of fruit from special sites. This is Leefield’s Ridgeline Riesling which scored 93/100 with The Real Review’s Master of Wine Stephen Wong. It was also selected as a Top Rank and Top Value Award winning wine.

Stephen said “From Marisco’s Waihopai Valley vineyard at Leefield Station, this is a very carefully balanced riesling which hides its 9 grams per litre of residual sugar very well. A widely available wine at an affordable price, it is enjoyable now but will develop toasty, biscuity and honeyed notes over the coming years.”

Meanwhile winemaker Matt simply describes it as “The nose of the 2024 Leefield Station Riesling is defined by crispy zesty notes and white peach aromas. In mouth it is juicy and refreshing, with the
natural sweetness, crunchy acidity and a touch of minerality creating a well-balanced dry style of Riesling.”

This is a great food wine. Our hot tip is to think fresh kai moana (freshly caught kingfish if you’re lucky!) or even a traditional carbonara dish.