Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica 2010 Riesling


A cry came from the bathroom: “This wine is really great!” Green Dragon was enjoying a hot bath with a glass of wine and was sipping the 2010 Eroica Riesling.
Eroica is a partnership between two Riesling icons – Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle and Germany’s Dr. Loosen. This is a delicious symphony of Old and New World winemaking made with superb Washington grapes.
This was one of the coolest vintages on record, resulting in concentrated flavors and vibrant acidity. Eroica has flavors of citrus zest, lime, white peach and a subtle minerality. It’s a pleasing balance for most wine lovers – there is a slight sweetness balanced by a smooth acidity.
Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau give each grape special attention. Grapes for this wine came from Zillah Ranch in the Yakima Valley and Evergreen Vineyard, near the town of George, Washington.
To protect flavor intensity, grapes were harvested at night when the vineyard temperatures were coldest. Loosen and Bertheau considered dozens of small lots, each with slightly different characteristics, before selecting the final blend.
All this attention really pays off. You can taste it in the glass. Eroica’s appeal is immediate, but the complexity draws you back for another sip. Bravo!
Rating: 4 of 5  Value: 3.5 of 5
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