The 2019 estate Riesling is a classic – It has all the hallmarks and characteristics of a German or Alsatian Riesling – golden hued, citrus and stone fruited, mouth-watering acidity, and maybe a hint of honey and petrol. This is a full-bodied creamy wine, and I can’t put my glass down. I am now in search of charcuterie of any kind to pair and contrast.
The estate vineyards are farmed at high elevation in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley. The vineyards must be in an ideal fruiting zone for this variety, which would account for the minerality and acidity balance. My take is that this is an excellent example of what a Napa riesling can be – fruit and acid still intact after 6 years of aging.
The wine is drinking just right at this moment, but I’m intrigued by the tech notes that suggest holding up to 2039. Should I make it until then, this is a wine I’d love to be sipping. Interested in learning about Stu Smith and why he chose this wine? Read his interview.