Why don't I drink more Riesling? It's often inexpensive, versatile and delicious. The Eroica 2005 Columbia Valley Riesling was all this and more--I found it on closeout for $7 (cheap!) instead of its suggested retail of $20 (not cheap!). Anyway, this was impressive. It was off-dry, but had great balancing acidity. Plus, there was that diesel/petrol aroma that makes Riesling so unique, and in this wine it was complexing, not dominant.
Who knew a 5 year old Riesling from a grocery store (I doubt they treat the wine carefully) would deliver so nicely? I guess that's why Riesling is one of the most age-worthy wines in the world--takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. The store had some '06s and '07s, but someone bought those out before I could return.
- 2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Riesling Eroica - USA, Washington, Columbia ValleyAt first found the sweetness forward, but cooled it off a bit and this is a beauty. Diesel, lychee and lime aromas. Dried peach/apricot flavors with off-dryness up front followed by great sustaining freshness on the finish. Acid-sugar balance here is really nice. A little peach pit at the end as well. Very easy-going style that should be versatile with sweet and/or spicy foods.Picked this up on closeout at a grocery store--not exactly the best sign for provenance. Quite impressed this is so fresh given dubious storage, especially with the price being what it was . . . .
3 comments:
I'm a big fan of Eroica. $8 is a steal. Normally, you can get it for about $15 in Washington, which is a fair price. $20 is pushing it because there are a lot of great German Riesling's in that price point. Anyways, I love the interplay of the high acid and the limeiness.
Knowing typical price points for Kabinett style Riesling, I definitely wouldn't have paid over $15. For $7 or $8, should have backed up the motor vehicle! It's OK, though, there's always another deal. And I'd rather buy too few of one wine then be stuck with too much of something it turns out I won't want to drink.
Here is a bit of background on Ernst Loosen. http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2010/02/ernst-loosen-wines-up-and-down.html
Post a Comment