LEEFIELD STATION RIDGELINE RIESLING 2026

TASTING NOTE

A refined expression of purity and varietal finesse, our Leefield Station Riesling showcases delicate aromas of lemon and ripe stone fruit, layered with subtle notes of honey. The palate is vibrant and fruit-driven, with natural sweetness seamlessly balanced by bright, refreshing acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish.

FOOD MATCHING

Enjoy our vibrant Riesling with a smoked fish and cream crostini or pair it with your favourite fresh seafood, such oysters, prawns or scallops. Its bright acidity and fresh fruit character make it a refreshing match for delicate seafood dishes.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Crafted to be enjoyed at the peak of its vibrancy and freshness, we recommend drinking this wine within 3 years of vintage date.

ORIGIN

Leefield Station, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough.

VARIETY

100% Riesling.

WINEMAKING

The fruit for this wine is machine harvested and destemmed in the field before being gently pressed into stainless steel tanks for a 2-3 days cold settling. Then the juice is racked clean to ferment in small batches at cool temperatures with selected yeast strains to preserve and develop the specific varietal characters of Riesling grapes. Following fermentation, the new wine is kept on lees for 7 days then racked and matured in fine lees until blending and finishing.

ANALYSIS

• Alcohol 10.0%
• pH 2.9
• Titratable Acidity 7.51g/L
• Residual Sugar 20.31g/L
• Vegan Certified

VINTAGE

The 2026 growing season delivered a dynamic yet ultimately rewarding vintage for Marlborough. Following a wet, mild winter, vines entered a warm, sunny spring with ample soil moisture and minimal frost pressure, driving strong early growth and one of the fastest progressions from budburst to flowering on record.

A timely return to cooler conditions around flowering helped moderate fruit set, resulting in balanced yields and improved bunch architecture. Summer brought cooler-than-average temperatures alongside a notably wet January, replenishing soil moisture and supporting berry development without compromising vine health.

February provided the ideal ripening window; warm, sunny, and largely dry — allowing fruit to reach optimal flavour maturity. Harvest commenced earlier than usual and progressed efficiently, concluding after a concentrated finish in April.

Overall, 2026 can be considered a high-quality vintage, offering excellent varietal expression, vibrancy, and balance.

Leefield Station has a mission of showcasing the best of Marlborough in one amazing property. Delicious grapes, well-kept sheep, cattle, and pigs – all alongside flourishing native bush sheltering productive beehives and teeming flora and fauna. It is nature co-existing perfectly – helping each other, in an amazing eco-system of its own.

Because we believe this is what modern farming looks like.