3 Delicious WA Rieslings

[Bucko]

1997 Claar, Riesling, Ice Wine, Botrytisized, Columbia Valley, Washington, $30. Intense botrytis/honey on the nose. Powerfully rich and sweet, with layers of complex peach and apricot flavors. Delightful. 23% RS. 91/90.

2000 Claar, Riesling, Late Harvest, Columbia Valley, Washington, $9. Honeysuckle, peach and banana are noted on the nose and palate. Rich, sweet, refreshing. 6% RS. 88/90.

2000 Claar, Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, $9. A nicely styled wine, with zippy acidity. Very perfumed floral notes and stone fruit aromas combine with peaches and pears on the palate to make a dandy. 88/90.

[jimpeterson]

Thanks Bucko. I'll try to locate some of those. By the way, do you prefer California Rieslings to German ones?

Jim

[Bucko]

Just the opposite by far, Jim. I find most CA Rieslings lacking the acidity level that I desire in a wine.

[Innkeeper]

Except, of course, for Greenwood Ridge.

[Scoop]

Best US Rieslings IMHO: From the Finger Lakes, especially Heron Hill (their "dry" bottling), Chateau Lafayette Reneau (off dry), Glenora (dry) and Prejean (dry). And, of course, Dr. Frank's. All approach German levels of acidity, if not quite the same level of finesse.

Cheers,

Scoop