Mixed news for lovers of an Australian wine classic

This should be a year of celebration for Grosset Wines, which is marking 40 years in business and the 40th consecutive release of Grosset Polish Hill and Springvale rieslings.

Not only is 2020 a disaster in business terms for small wine producers but the lack of rain meant volumes of each of the acclaimed Grosset rieslings are what Jeffrey Grosset describes as "woeful" - the lowest in three decades.

"With the world in turmoil this 40-year celebration is a low-key, almost sombre affair," Grosset (right) says.

But there is some good news. Grosset describes the 2020 riesling releases as "beautiful, with so much flavours, texture and persistence."

For riesling lovers it could a case of the the quick and the thirsty.

Back in 1981, Grossset purchased and converted the old milk depot in Auburn - turning it into a makeshift winery at a time when many Australian rieslings were still sickly sweet affairs.

"The aim was simply to make the best wines possible," he recalls.

Grosset's Renault 12 doubled as a delivery vehicle, capable of carrying 16 cases of wine. With no vineyards of his own he purchased the best fruit he could afford before planting Polish Hill in 1986 and Springvale in 2000. Planting continues to this day.

"It takes time, devotion and attention to detail to produce beautiful wine, especially when you’re a small family-run operation." says Grosset, who has been a leader in many fields including the introduction of screw cap closures and certified organic and biodynamic vineyards.

Annual production is capped at 11,000 cases and just 25% is exported despite significant international demand.

The new riesling releases are the 2020 Polish Hill ($65), 2020 Springvale ($47) and 2020 Alea ($42). 

My samples arrived today. I'll add tasting notes as soon as possible.