Description
Named after Pomona — the estate's original name when it was planted in 1849. A three-block selection from our Watervale estate, made only when the vintage allows something genuinely special to be said.
The Pomona Riesling sits alongside the Estate and RC as the three expressions of Riesling from our Watervale vineyard — and of the three, the Pomona is the most delicate and restrained. Where the Estate is bright and citrus-driven, and the RC is tight and structured for the cellar, the Pomona occupies its own middle ground: generous and soft, with a palate texture that is distinctly its own.
Sourced from three specific blocks on the Crabtree estate, each contributing something different to the final blend. A high-energy palate, zingy acidity, a subtle wet pebble and slaty mineral character that permeates through to the finish. This is Watervale Riesling at its most approachable — not timid, just elegant.
At $200 for a dozen — $16.67 per bottle — this is one of the most extraordinary pieces of value we offer. Estate-grown Clare Valley Riesling with two 90+ point reviews, from one of Watervale's most historic properties. It won't last long.
"A three-block selection from the Crabtree estate vineyard in Watervale, bringing out a more delicate Riesling, aromas spread across the yellow and green citrus spectrum, lemon zest a clear part of the mix. While the Estate of the same vintage is turbo-charged in acidity, this is far more restrained with a powder and pith-like texture softening the grapes' natural acid lines and lengthening its palate drive. Sensitive styling ensures an elegant varietal expression."
"The fruit comes off three blocks on the estate, with each contributing to a pure and delicate expression of Riesling. A feature is the high-energy palate with its zingy acidity adding a tingling mouthfeel. A subtle wet pebbly slaty character permeates throughout as it focuses through to the finish." — Cellar: 9 years
"The name Pomona comes from the estate's original identity when it was first established in 1849 — a celebrated orchard growing apples, plums, pears and currants. The land that produces this Riesling has been part of Watervale's story for over 175 years."
Vineyard: Crabtree Estate, 4 North Terrace, Watervale SA · Blocks: Three-block selection · Region: Watervale, Clare Valley · Style: Delicate, restrained, elegant
Perfect with
"The Pomona is the Riesling I make when I want to show a different side of what Watervale can do. The Estate is about brightness and drive. The Pomona is about texture, restraint and that subtle mineral quality that comes from a specific set of blocks on our estate. It's a wine that rewards patience — in the glass and in the cellar."
Andrew Kenny · Vigneron of the Year, Young Gun of Wine 2024 · Clare Valley Hall of Fame Rising Star 2024The Pomona is one of three Riesling expressions from the Crabtree estate — alongside the Estate Riesling and the RC Premium Riesling. Also try our Regolith Series: three single-site Grenaches from ancient Clare Valley soils.
Read about our 2025 Canberra Riesling Challenge results →