Hogue Cellars Riesling 2012

Tasting Date: 9/3/2013

Varietal: Riesling 2012

Country: Columbia Valley, Washington

Tasting Date Price: $11.99

Rating: WS 2011 88; WE 2011 87

Alcohol Content: 12%

Vineyard Website: click here

Visual Aspect: Clear, straw

Nose: Fragrant aromas of apricot, peach, melon, lemon-lime, & a drizzle of honey

Palate: Pleasing mineral edge & crisp, refreshing acidity.  Unlike many white wines, Rieslings can evolve & develop complexity w/ age.  Cellar for 3 – 5 yrs.  Slightly sweet

Food Pairing: serve w/ fresh spring rolls, spicy ahi curries or grilled halibut.”

Winery Notes:

Varietal Percentages: 93% White Riesling, 6% Gewürztraminer, 1% Muscat Canelli

Eastern Washington’s low annual rainfall and cool nights during the growing season make it the perfect area for producing consistently great late harvest wines. The Hogue Cellars has developed a style of late harvest Riesling that is crisp yet moderately sweet. The wine was produced from select Riesling vineyards where the fruit can ripen to the required 24°+ Brix. At that level of ripeness, the wine develops its trademark tangerine/apricot flavor. Zesty aromas of orange, lemon-lime and peach are followed by flavors of tangerine, apricot and a trace of mineral. Serve with poached pears, apple pie or a cheese platter of Stilton, smoked Gouda and fresh goat cheese. It’s also excellent served well chilled as an aperitif.

During the grape growing season, Eastern Washington boasts warm summer days followed by cool nights, ensuring that grapes ripen fully while retaining ample natural acidity. The even ripening gives Washington Riesling its trademark apricot and tangerine flavors