58. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Harvest Select Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Best Buy! Five years ago, Bob Bertheau developed this medium-sweet Riesling with renowned Australian winemaker Wendy Stuckey, reaching into some of Washington state’s warmer sites to create a more tropical and fruity expression of this noble white grape. There’s immediate elegance to the aromas of fresh apricot and sliced Bartlett pear, which include rose petal, baking spices and minerality. The pour brings bright, up-front acidity with intense tropical tones of Juicy Fruit gum and fresh lemon. Skilled winemaking makes for great balance as lime peel in the finish deals with the 4 percent residual sugar. Suggested pairings include spicy Asian, crab or a fruit-and-cheese plate. It’s also marvelous by itself.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 278,856 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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