Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2013 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20

The partnership with famed German Riesling producer Ernst Loosen began in 1999, and their work on Eroica is credited with helping to spark the awakening for noble white variety in America. Loosen, Bob Bertheau and Wendy Stuckey continue to hone their approach with this food-friendly grape, and this bottling opens with aromas of lemon preserves, limeade, dusty Granny Smith apple, peach blossom and just a hint of petrol. Refreshing lime-flavored acidity continues to be the hallmark as draws out mouthwatering flavors of peach, Bosc pear and more green apple, brisk flavors that more than balance the residual sugar of 1.55%. There’s a bit of the minerality often f0und in white wines from Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes region, and Zillah Ranch in the Yakima Valley also factors in heavily for this vintage. Earlier this fall, this same wine earned a gold at the sommelier-judged Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, and it hasn’t lost a step. Try it with Ste. Michelle executive chef Janet Hedstrom’s Warm Scallop Salad with Orange-Riesling Dressing.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 31,000 cases

Alcohol: 12%

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