Demri Layne 2013 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Best Buy! The expanding Claar Wine Group in Pasco, Wash., launched this consumer-priced line last year from their remarkable combination of newlywed winemaker Joe Hudon and their estate White Bluffs Vineyard. The grapes are grown Salmon-Safe and were harvested Oct. 13 at less than 22 Brix. The nose is akin to walking through an orchard with hints of pear and Granny Smith apple, but there’s also a tropical note with lime zest. It’s much more tropical on the palate with hints of papaya, orange and Juicy Fruit Gum, yet there’s a good balance to the 2% residual sugar with lemony acidity and pleasing bitterness. The wines are distributed in Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,028 cases
Alcohol: 12.1%
Sheila Nicholas says
Just one from Oregon? Over 40 of us recently conducted a technical tasting of pre-bottled 2014 Oregon Rieslings with exciting results. SmackDown?
Eric Degerman says
Greetings Sheila,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Actually, there are three 2013 Rieslings from Oregon in that slideshow — South Stage Cellars, Willamette Valley Vineyards and Mt. Hood Winery. We’re looking forward to seeing the Rieslings coming out of Oregon from the 2014 vintage.