Te Kano Life Riesling 2024 is an off-dry white from Te Kano Estate, grown on 20-year-old, unirrigated vines in the Waitaki Valley. Expect lychee, mandarin and lime zest, with juicy sweetness balanced by racy acidity. It was rated 94 POINTS by Cameron Douglas, MS. A lovely wine for anyone who likes aromatic whites with a touch of sweetness.
In the glass it shows citrus blossom and a faint hint of exotic muscat, then ripe stonefruit and green mango fill out the palate. Lemon and a wet-stone minerality keep it fresh and moreish.
This is a wine for those of us who enjoy a fruit-filled white that stays lively. At 11% alcohol it's a fantastic weekend wine for a long lunch in the sun.
What it tastes like
This wine has a gorgeous perfume of ripe citrus and tropical fruit on the nose. Te Kano describe the palate as moreish and plush, with pineapple and red apple alongside the citrus. The sweetness is generous, but the acidity is bright enough that the wine finishes clean rather than sugary. Part of the wine was fermented on its grape skins, which adds a little texture and grip you don't often find in an off-dry Riesling. It's delicious.
Style at a glance
- Body: light to medium, plush and juicy
- Sweetness: off-dry
- Acidity: racy and refreshing
- Oak: none; fermented in stainless steel to keep the fruit pure
- Style: aromatic, juicy, off-dry Riesling
Food to enjoy this with
This is a wine best enjoyed with great food. Good matches include:
- A cheeseboard, which is Te Kano's own suggestion
- Thai green papaya salad
- Pork belly bao with pickled vegetables
- Vietnamese rice-paper rolls with prawns and mint
- Crispy duck pancakes with hoisin
- Apple tarte tatin: a surprise, but the red apple in the wine meets the caramelised apple, and the acidity cuts through the pastry
Who makes it
Te Kano Estate is owned by the Lloyd family. Te Kano means "the seed" in Māori, and the family's aim is to regenerate land left barren after the 1800s gold rush. Their cellar door sits in the Eliza Vineyard on Felton Road, Bannockburn.
The Estate has vineyards in Bannockburn, Northburn and the Waitaki Valley. Just before the 2020 lockdown, Te Kano bought the former Pasquale winery at Kurow in the Waitaki Valley, and all Te Kano wines are now made there by winemaker Dave Sutton.
For the 2024 vintage, the grapes were hand-picked from 20-year-old, unirrigated Waitaki vines. The juice was fermented very cold and slowly in stainless steel to keep its freshness. A portion was fermented on full skins and aged for 4 months before being blended back in, adding texture and depth. Te Kano describe the 2024 Waitaki season as starting with little frost risk, then running cooler and drier than average, and the slow ripening gave the fruit brightness, purity and concentration.
Critic scores and ratings
- 94 POINTS – Cameron Douglas, MS – camdouglasms.com, October 2026
"An off-dry expression with intense flavours of lime and green apple, white flowers and sherbet, and sandy, dry stone soil ideas. A delicious example with purity of fruit framed by a sweet acidity and core fruit flavours that deliver a wine with varietal power and freshness. Great drinking from day of purchase through 2033+." Rated "Excellent".
When to drink it
It's drinking well now. Te Kano suggest enjoying it through to 2030, and Cameron Douglas, MS sees great drinking through 2033 and beyond.
Technical details
| Winery: |
Te Kano Estate |
| Wine: |
Life Series Riesling |
| Vintage: |
2024 |
| Variety: |
Riesling |
| Region: |
Waitaki Valley, Otago |
| Country: |
New Zealand |
| Alcohol: |
11% |
| Fermentation: |
Cold, slow fermentation in stainless steel; a portion fermented on skins and aged 4 months |
| Cellaring: |
Drink now to 2030 |
Where to buy
For international delivery to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, the Te Kano Life Riesling 2024 is available from our winenz.com website. For delivery within New Zealand, buy it from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. On both websites and in both stores you can select a mixed case from a large range of wines, and if you are visiting from overseas, we can ship it home for you.
Questions we are often asked
Is Te Kano Life Riesling 2024 sweet?
Yes, it's off-dry, so there's noticeable sweetness. Bright, racy acidity balances it, so the wine finishes fresh.
What does Te Kano Life Riesling 2024 taste like?
Te Kano describe lychee, lime zest and citrus blossom on the nose, with stonefruit, mandarin and green mango on the palate. Cameron Douglas, MS noted lime, green apple, white flowers and sherbet.
Where are the grapes for Te Kano Life Riesling grown?
The 2024 was hand-picked from 20-year-old, unirrigated vines in Te Kano's Waitaki vineyard in North Otago.
What is the alcohol level of Te Kano Life Riesling 2024?
It's 11% alcohol, which keeps it light and easy to enjoy at lunch.
How long will Te Kano Life Riesling 2024 keep?
Te Kano recommend drinking it now through to 2030. Cameron Douglas, MS suggested great drinking through 2033 and beyond.
Where can I buy Te Kano Life Riesling 2024?
The Winery ships Te Kano Life Riesling 2024 internationally from winenz.com to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, and delivers within New Zealand from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it in our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores.
