Henry of Pelham The Dry River Riesling 2023 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Henry of Pelham The Dry River Riesling from Short Hills Bench reveals aromas of white nectarine, key lime, honeysuckle and a hint of crushed stone. It's medium-sweet and light to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity that balances the residual sugar, creating a wine that's refreshing rather than cloying through a long, clean finish. Serve it well-chilled alongside smoked salmon with cream cheese and chives on baguette where the wine's slight sweetness complements the rich, smoky fish while the acidity cuts through the creaminess, or pair it with mild coconut curry where the wine's fruit sweetness tames the spice while its bright acidity balances the dish's richness. Winemaker Ron Giesbrecht and his team craft this Riesling from sustainably-grown grapes planted in 1984 from Mosel clones at Henry of Pelham's certified-sustainable estate on the Short Hills Bench, where the escarpment's unique microclimate and limestone-rich soils provide ideal growing conditions for this noble variety, then ferment it in stainless steel to preserve the pure fruit expression and bright acidity. Founded in 1988 by brothers Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck on land their ancestor Nicholas Smith acquired in 1794 from King George III for his service in the American Revolution, Henry of Pelham was among Ontario's pioneering wineries to recognize Riesling's potential in Niagara and remains family-owned across three generations. Enjoy this expressive Riesling through 2032.

Riesling food pairings: smoked salmon and chive cream cheese on baguette, oyster hotpot, mild curries.

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This Henry of Pelham The Dry River Riesling 2023 was reviewed on March 21, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

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