Helm Wines
Murrumbateman, (Canberra District), NSW
After spending time with Ken Helm it is hard not to be enthused; after a tasting it is impossible not to become an ardent fan.
Helm Wines, in Murrumbateman NSW, was established by Ken and Judith Helm in 1973, specialising in the production of award winning Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a number of vineyards and wineries dedicated to these two varieties.
Having just completed its 43rd vintage, James Halliday rates Helm Wines as a top winery in the Canberra District for the 9th year in a row, with two of the Rieslings among the best in Australia with 95 and 96 points.
95+ Points, Premium Riesling 2022
Mike Bennie, The Winefront
“Intense and concentrated, racy and inward, a laser beam, an epee thrust, a dart shaped crystal across the palate. Lime, lemon, green apple, frangipani to sniff on. Similar flavours, minus the florals, this is cold citrus juice and saline-quartz-like minerality and energy to burn. Electric. Whoosh, it made me flush beneath my eyes. Pretty darn epic, now to 20 years plus, me thinks.”
93 Points, Half Dry Riesling 2022
Mike Bennie, The Winefront
“It’s gently sweet, but barely, really, with chalky, thunderous acidity at the helm. Juiciness is the key indicator, a little slipperiness too perhaps – lots of grapey, green apple and floral light honeycomb characters are the key. Slips along nicely, finishes neat, to a point, very fresh. A delightful, fresh rendition of riesling.”
94+ Points, Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mike Bennie, The Winefront
“Blackberry nip, cassis, chocolate, green herb to kick off. Nice. Taste’s a bit sweetish but there’s stacks of savoury elements here, earthy, dried herby, a bit of mint as a counter point and a strong wave of fine, silty tannin chimes in. Serious feeling but all about concentration and density of fruit.”
