Sixty Second Swirl by Brent Lello
Ken Helm AM needs little introduction to us in the Yass Valley region. Ken and Judith have been at the forefront of the local winemaking scene for nearly five decades, and the Helm Rieslings continuously reflect Ken’s passion for this ‘regal’ variety and his focus on producing wines of the highest quality.
The subject of this week’s ‘swirl’ is a cracking example – the 2021 Helm Tumbarumba Riesling – the fruit for which has been sourced from Juliet Cullen’s Vineyard planted in 2005 in the region at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
This Riesling is medium straw in colour with a flashy brightness. A swirl reveals a bouquet of fragrant citrus flowers, freshly cut fuji apple, grapefruit, and a dusting of talc.
The palate is smooth with ripe lemon and grapefruit flavours with a zesty zip of acid and touch of minerality, leading to a delightful, lingering finish.
We enjoyed our bottle with spicy Thai chicken larb (pictured) with the freshness and zippiness of the wine taking the chilli heat with ease.
This wine would combine equally well with chilli & garlic prawns or freshly grilled fish with lemon beurre blanc.
I sourced my bottle from “Thyme to Taste” in Yass, but can be bought online for $35.

Helm Wines, in Murrumbateman NSW, was established by Ken and Judith Helm in 1973. Ken is a descendant of German vignerons who planted vines in the Albury district in the 1850s. Helm Wines specialises in the production of award-winning Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, and has a number of vineyards and wineries dedicated to these two varieties.
Our wines can be enjoyed at our Cellar Door in Murrumbateman, the heritage-listed 1888 Toual Schoolhouse.
Helm Wines has just completed its 43rd vintage, and James Halliday rated the winery as a top winery in the Canberra District for the 9th year in a row, and two of the Rieslings among the best in Australia with 95 and 96 points.
Ken and Judith started the vineyard, winery and cellar door in 1973 and have built it into one of the leading wineries in the Canberra District.
It continues to be a family affair with all of the family (including recent additions) playing an integral part in the business.
Ken’s flagship wines are Riesling and Cabernets and he has connections with Riesling makers from all over the world. Trips to the vineyards and wineries of Mosel, the Rhine valley and Bordeaux provided new inspiration and contributed to the development of the wines. In 2000 Ken instigated the Canberra International Riesling Challenge and his role as Chairman for 18 years and continuing role as a Board member, allows him to constantly keep abreast of new developments in Rieslings around the world.

Stephanie Helm started making wine when she was 9 years old and produced Trophy, Gold, Silver and Bronze award wines under her own label – The Stephanie Collection. She now owns and operates, along with her husband Ben Osborne, her own winery and cellar door at The Vintner’s Daughter, also in Murrumbateman. Ben is also Vineyard and Winery Manager at Helm Wines.
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