While the thirst among Americans for Riesling has slipped for the time being, many of the talented producers who helped inspire the renaissance continue to produce remarkable examples. Gilles Nicault worked with The Benches in the Horse Heaven Hills, Phil Church Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and historic 1972 plantings at Dionysus near the Columbia River for the latest example, and fingerprints of each site are reflected in the wine. The nose of facial powder, white peach, cantaloupe and cherry blossom turns to lush orchard fruit flavors that include a slice of guava. Delicious acidity and a finish that’s both slaty and savory balances the residual sugar of 1.2%, allowing this Riesling to please those seated on the patio and also indoors with white linen tablecloth. Production of the 2018 Poet’s Leap was a bit more than half of it was for the 2017 vintage.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 2,505 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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