Spy Valley, Riesling 2019
Product Information
Country New Zealand
Region Marlborough
Grape Variety Riesling
Vintage 2019
ABV 12.5%
An Award-Winning Marlborough Riesling with Proven Ageing Potential
The Spy Valley Riesling 2019 is a refined and expressive Marlborough Riesling that showcases the exceptional purity, structure, and longevity for which Spy Valley is renowned. Sourced exclusively from the estate’s own Riesling blocks in the Waihopai Valley, this wine reflects a warm, dry vintage that delivered small yields and remarkable fruit concentration.
With extended maturation prior to release and a 93-point score from James Suckling, the Spy Valley Riesling 2019 stands as one of the estate’s most age-worthy and compelling white wines, equally rewarding to enjoy now or cellar for years to come.
Waihopai Valley Terroir & 2019 Vintage Conditions
Estate-Grown Riesling from Marlborough
Fruit for the Spy Valley Riesling 2019 was harvested from three dedicated Riesling blocks on Spy Valley’s Waihopai Valley vineyard. This sub-region of Marlborough is prized for its cool nights, long sunshine hours, and free-draining soils, all of which contribute to intense aromatics and vibrant natural acidity, hallmarks of world-class New Zealand Riesling.
A Warm, Dry, Early Harvest
The 2019 growing season was notably warm and dry, resulting in reduced yields but exceptional flavour concentration. Harvest took place over a three-week period, beginning in early March and concluding in early April, one of the earliest harvests in Spy Valley’s history. Each parcel was picked at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness while building structural depth.
Winemaking & Extended Maturation
Fermentation for the Spy Valley Riesling 2019 was carried out entirely in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to maintain varietal purity and aromatic precision. Following fermentation, the wine was matured for three years prior to bottling in May 2022, allowing the flavours to harmonise and the texture to develop complexity.
This extended maturation sets the wine apart, delivering the nuanced aromatics and layered palate typically found in mature Riesling, while retaining Marlborough’s signature vibrancy.
Tasting Notes – Spy Valley Riesling 2019
Wine Critics’ Notes & Score
93 Points – James Suckling (2023)
“Lifted lime, honeysuckle and river stone. This wine has several years of age and is now showing beautiful aromatics of an older Riesling. The powerful structure should see it continue to age gracefully for many years to come.”
Detailed Tasting Profile
• Aromas: Fresh lime zest, honeysuckle blossom, subtle citrus oil, and wet river stone
• Palate: Concentrated yet elegant, with layered citrus flavours, mineral tension, and refined acidity
• Finish: Long, structured, and precise, with a lingering mineral edge
• Style: Dry, complex, and age-worthy New Zealand Riesling
This is a Riesling that rewards patience, revealing increasing depth and nuance as it evolves in bottle.
Cellaring & Food Pairing Suggestions
Cellaring Potential
Thanks to its firm acid backbone and powerful structure, the Spy Valley Riesling 2019 will continue to age gracefully for many years. It can be enjoyed now for its developed aromatics or cellared confidently for further complexity through the late 2020s and beyond.
Food Pairings
• Fresh oysters or shellfish
• Thai or Vietnamese cuisine with citrus and herbs
• Soft cheeses such as chèvre or brie
• Lightly spiced Asian dishes
Why Buy Spy Valley Riesling 2019?
• Estate-grown fruit from Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley
• Warm, low-yield vintage with exceptional concentration
• Extended three-year maturation before bottling
• 93-point score from James Suckling
• Outstanding ageing potential
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Spy Valley Riesling 2019 dry or sweet?
A. Spy Valley Riesling 2019 is crafted in a dry style, with vibrant acidity and mineral structure rather than sweetness.
Q. How long can I cellar this wine?
A. This wine has excellent ageing potential and can be cellared for 10+ years, continuing to develop complexity and tertiary aromas.
Q. What makes the 2019 vintage special?
A. The warm, dry conditions and early harvest produced small yields with intense flavour concentration, making 2019 one of the standout Riesling vintages for Spy Valley.
Q. Where is Spy Valley located?
A. Spy Valley is located in the Waihopai Valley, a premium sub-region of Marlborough, New Zealand.
