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.

This year Helm will crush their 49th vintage. James Halliday rates Helm Wines as a top winery in the Canberra District for the 17th 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.”

Helm Half Dry Riesling 2024

93/100

Stuart Knox

“Ultra pale lemon tints in the glass. Papaya and yellow flowers on the nose. An off-dry (half dry) style with ripe mango and papaya fruit and a sweet curd undertone. Great length and built with ample acidity to ensure the sweetness never overbears the palate.”

(12g/l RS) (Tumbarumba, Orange, and Mudgee grapes; no Canberra because of frost) 02 Oct 2024