Claar Cellars 2012 White Bluffs Riesling, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Early adopters of sustainable farming practices, the Claar-Whitelatch family is proud to be one of Washington state’s first wineries to achieve L.I.V.E. and Salmon-Safe certification for its vineyard along the banks of the Columbia River north of the Tri-Cities. Their off-dry Riesling (2% residual sugar) — harvested Oct. 13 under the direction of winemaker Joe Hudon — carries notes of caramel apple, Bartlett pear, petrol and dandelion amid a structure that’s rich on the entry and shows nice acid balance in the finish. These wines are available in more than 20 states, their Yakima Valley tasting room in Zillah and Amazon.com.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 335 cases
Alcohol: 13.1%
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