2009 Seven Hills Winery Riesling, Columbia Valley... $10.99
I recently reviewed the 2008 Riesling giving it a very high score, but like all things wine we are suddenly onto a new vintage. There was a lot of buzz going on about the 2009 version so I was looking forward to giving it a try. I believe that on all levels it equals it's predecessor. Winemaker Casey McClellan seems to have mastered Riesling.
On the nose there is a mouth-watering acidity that penetrates the aromas. Notes of mango, lemon drop, minerality and sugar cane fill the olfactory senses. That beam of acidity welcomes the palate driving the fruit flavors to a razor's edge across the mid-palate. Off-dry the wine offers notes of green Delicious apples, mangoes, sweet lemons and a nice minerality. The finish is clean and delicious lingering around the palate for some time. The only element missing from this Riesling compared to the 2008 is the rubber boot aroma that came through on the nose of the '08 that is barely detectable on the '09. For those of you who shy away from Riesling because of the sweetness, I believe that you will find this quite refreshing able to pair up with shellfish. And for those who like the sweetness all I need to say is that my wife loves this Riesling and she prefers them on the sweeter side. What do you know, a Riesling for everyone. With the weather turning warmer (hopefully) , it is time once again to enjoy that wonderful white wine on the deck or out in the backyard while the BBQ is heating up. Why not make it Seven Hills Columbia Valley Riesling... You will not be disappointed. 98 points
