One of the final wines that Yamhill Valley Vineyards head winemaker Ariel Eberle worked on alongside her mentor — the late Stephen Cary — is this remarkable example of Riesling from this 30-year-old estate near McMinnville, Ore. Harvest arrived Oct. 21 at 25 Brix, the product of vines groomed to just 2 tons per acre. It’s low in alcohol, abundant in residual sugar (8.5%) yet backed by delicious acidity amid a theme of slate, petrol, honeysuckle, Mandarin orange, peach and pear. Near German spätlese in style, enjoy with a bowl of pho, a cheese plate or a slice of cheese cake. Our panel evaluated this spring — six months after it was voted as best Riesling at the 2017 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition — and it hasn’t lost a step. Rather, it may have even gained some complexity.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 307 cases
Alcohol: 9.7%
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