2008 Wakefield Riesling – Clare Valley, Australia

This is a very citrusy Riesling, sending out waves of tart citrus, lemon, lime, a touch of pink grapefruit, all wrapped in green apple peel. Flavors are reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc but the more viscous mouth-feel hints at Riesling. It is a pleasant food-friendly wine, but not one that would stand out among similarly priced Rieslings, for it lacks any special Riesling qualities.

The Palate Press Wine of the Week, June 27 – July 1

The Palate Press Wine of the Week, June 27 – July 1 is …

2008 Cave Spring Riesling – Niagara Peninsula VQA, Ontario

This wine is off-dry (17.5g/L residual sugar) with sufficient acid to give a sensation that it is drier. Floral aromas lead to pear, apricot and honey flavors, the sweetness counter-balanced by lightly tart key lime. Cloves and all-spice show on the mid-length finish. This uncloying but slightly sweet wine would be a great pairing with spicy Thai or Vietnamese food.

Indigenous American Grape Varieties, A Primer

Can American Vitis species produce wines that compare with those made from vinifera on a global stage? If so, will the wine traditionalists ever accept them? While continued research and experimentation with these varieties will hopefully answer these questions, perhaps an educational introduction will get the ball rolling.

2007 Domdechant Werner Riesling Classic – Rheingau, Germany

I wish this was the first Riesling I ever tasted: I would have fallen in love with the grape immediately. Incredibly easy to drink, perfectly balanced, a hint of sugar offsetting wonderful acidity in the very good 2007 vintage. To begin, the wine offers sweet grass and green aromas, as in a garden just after the evening dew has fallen. There’s a touch of tropical citrus especially in the flavor. Finishing, the taste lingers pleasantly along the edges of your mouth, almost fizzy in its liveliness.

Washington State Wines—Hot and Getting Hotter

Having visited wine regions around the world, I believe Washington State is one of the most exciting you’ll find, located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Washington boasts an interesting history, has a perfect climate for grapes, produces many varieties into award-winning wines, and offers many regions to explore.

2007 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese

Big nose of chives, candied peach, and persimmon. There is a vein of acidity that breaks up the richness nicely. Still way too young to fully show itself; I’ll hold my last bottle a long time.

2007 Clean Slate Riesling – Mosel, Germany

Clear, pale lemon yellow with a little pétillance, or effervescence. Clean nose with light to medium intensity. Youthful aromas including green apple, lemon, lime, pineapple, slate, and anise star. Off-dry with medium acidity, body and light alcohol. Intense fruit flavors characteristic of the variety including apple and lime. Also some pear, orange, and floral notes with a soft minerality on the finish. Great pairing with spicy Phad Thai. For more wine notes and writing, visit Ryan’s blog oe•no•phile.

2008 Cave Spring Riesling Dry VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Very clear, with barely a yellow tint. The flavor is almost entirely lemon- lemon juice, lemon peel, and lemon custard. The flavors do not change from attack to finish. The wine is too one-dimensional to earn a recommendation from this reviewer.

The Rise of Rocky Mountain Riesling

Most Riesling connoisseurs have long considered Germany, specifically the Mosel Valley, as the varietal’s rightful throne. This is probably still true. The Mosel Valley’s unique, steep slopes of sun-absorbing slate have allowed the cool climate of Central-Western Germany to create ideal Riesling wines for over 150 years. But, as Riesling slowly grows in popularity, vintners around the world, the United States included, are giving it a go in new regions and climates. It is no wonder. While the retail sales of Pinot Gris outgrew all other white wines from 2004 until 2007, Riesling has taken that title for the last few years.

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