2017 Smith-Madrone Riesling [JS94][WE94][TP94] WINE

“A show-stopper! The lovely candied-orange and orange-cream nose leads you into the succulent palate, which has a wonderful combination of vibrancy and concentration, the kind of which you don’t expect from a Californian riesling. The hint of tannin is as well integrated as the racy acidity, and all this pulls together on the powerful, mineral finish. Drink or hold.” 

“This atypical variety for the area shines from the producer’s steep, dry-farmed estate vineyard. Light, complex and silky on the waxy palate, it offers flavors of green apple, apricot and grapefruit alongside touches of honey and wet stone.” 

“Grapes grown on steep mountain vineyards continue to create one of our favorite California Rieslings year after year. Aromas of beeswax, buttercup, and wet stone are enticing, and flavors of passion fruit are accentuated by fine acidity and a remarkable mouthfeel. Daisy, lemon blossom, and freshly sliced Anjou pear feel serene as saltiness refreshes the palate, urging another sip.” 

Winemaker Notes: 

“Classic Riesling nose of honeysuckle, grapefruit and wet stone with just a hint of petrol binding everything together into a harmonious whole that couldn’t be anything other than Riesling. If anything, it’s even better on the palate. It has an impressive silky texture complemented by an equally impressive depth of flavor mid-palate. Lively and fruity and clean with intense varietal character. The acidity is integrating nicely, but the wine still exhibits a tasty crispness at the finish. It’s a lovely expression of a mountain grown Riesling.”