50th Parallel Estate 2013 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $18
As soon as he arrived in 2003, New Zealand-trained winemaker Grant Stanley took Quails’ Gate to new heights in British Columbia during his decade of work across the William R. Bennett Bridge from Kelowna. He’s doing the same for this young brand north of Kelowna, and this marks his first vintage with the Krouzels. The 21-day fermentation, classified as “icy cold,” fosters aromas of maraschino cherry, Golden Delicious apple, lemongrass, peach blossom and clove. On the palate, it’s scintillating at 1% residual sugar as it picks up flavors of maraschino cherry, nectarine and jasmine. Steely acidity pushes through to the finish of pink grapefruit. Suggested fare include fresh fruit, salads and light seafood.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 317 cases
Alcohol: 12%
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.