I liked their 2008, so was eager to see how this has developed. Light clear silver-gold again sporting a grapefruit nose but with perhaps less sweetness. Medium body off-dry with nice acidity balancing honey, citrus, and a hint of sage. Medium body, well balanced—very enjoyable, and I think a step forward from the previous vintage. 14% alcohol (up from 13%); $19.20 at Crosstown. See Red Rooster Winery.
Riesling
My favourite grape.
Intrigue Riesling 2008
Medium-light gold, nice honey-mineral nose. Medium body with strong acidity; off-dry with grapefruit and honey notes. A straightforward Riesling, not outstanding but another in the German tradition, which I’d like to see more of from BC. I’ll be interested to see how they develop in future years. (However, I have to assign a few demerit points for the inexcusable grammatical gaffes on their label: “Enjoy with asian [sic] cuisine, seafood, or on it’s [sic] own.”) 13.5% alcohol. $20 at Taylorwood Wines. See Intrigue Wines.
2005 Domaine Barmes-Buecher Riesling Herrenweg
Deep lemon-gold with an aromatic nose of flowers and minerals. Dry with good acidity, muted and complex earthy flavours, and just the slightest hint of residual sweetness. A very nice French Riesling. 12.5% alcohol. $33.90 at Marquis.
Hainle Vinehards 2007 Riesling Kabinett Estate
Medium-pale gold appearance. Nice mineral-stone fruit nose with a hint of citrus. Apricot-honey dominates, with nicely balanced acidity and an intense finish that goes to the nose. This is one of the best British Columbia Rieslings I’ve ever tried, no question. Recommended. 12.9% alchohol; $27.90 at Marquis Wine Cellars. See Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery.
Lang Vineyards 2006 Farm Winery Reserve Riesling
Visited Lang Vineyards a couple of years ago and really liked their Riesling. This one is a medium-deep yellow-gold. Nice apricot-earthy nose. Medium body off-dry with low-medium acidity and nice stone fruit and honey notes. This is the kind of Riesling I like and is more reminiscent of some of the German wines, as well as the few Washington State Rieslings I’ve tried. 12.5% alcohol. Recommended, particularly at the price: about $17 at BC Liquor.
Chateau Ste Michelle 2008 Riesling
Medium pale green gold with a distinct Riesling nose: mineral, honey, and stone fruit. Medium body, strong acidity, slightly off-dry. Citrus with a bit of apricot and melon; fine finish. Quite nice. 12.0% $19.90 at Crosstown. See Ste Michelle Winery.
I have to wonder why most British Columbia Rieslings do not achieve this same distinct Riesling notes that echo the Mosel; if I recall correctly the 8th Generation is one of the few I’ve tasted in this vein. The region and climate are essentially the same. Interesting.
Cave Spring 2007 Riesling
My first Ontario Riesling, recommended by James Cluer Selects.
Pale green-gold appearance, light honey-apricot mineral nose. Off-dry with low-medium acidity; straightforward stone fruit flavours and a good finish. Very drinkable and compares well with the better BC Rieslings. 11% alcohol. Recommended. See Cave Spring Cellars.
Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2008
I have always enjoyed Washington State Rieslings; I have tried a few at The Tasting Room in Seattle. But they seem to be relatively hard to find in BC.
This one is a clear medium green-gold with a light citrus nose. Just off-dry with a hint of honey and good acidity balanced by a slightly unusual lime-ish quality; a nice long finish. Recommended. 12.5% alcohol. $28.90 at Crosstown. See Charles Smith Wines.
Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes 2005
Medium green-gold appearance. Citrus-stone fruit nose with hints of petrol and slate. Medium body, muted acidity, fruit and mineral notes, a trace of sweetness. I don’t like this quite as much as does James Cluer, who recommended it in his monthly mailing, but it’s very nice; I’ll have to try more French Rieslings. 12% alcohol. $31.30 at Crosstown.
Markus Molitor 2006 Haus Klosterberg Riesling
Medium gold appearance. Straightforward stone fruit-petrol nose. Nice body, apricot honey slate, medium-dry, with understated acidity. They just don’t make them like this anywhere else (outside of Mosel); my kind of wine. 10.5% alcohol. Recommended. See Markus Molitor. $27.10 at Crosstown.