Taster’s Choice: Showcase of Versatile Riesling – Wine Reviews

Showcasing Riesling’s versatility, our eclectic selection from around the globe ranges from bone dry to medium sweet. The five star rating system stresses value for price.

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Dr. H. Thanisch 2011 Riesling Spätlese Trocken
Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel, Germany
StarStarStarStar$34.99

Sourced from selected estate vineyards, bone dry, flinty Riesling shows the purity and complexity of the great white grape. Steely flavours suggest essences of lime, white plum, elderflower, mineral and honey. Cellar 2-3 years or serve now with grilled fish.

 

Harper’s Trail 2012 Late Harvest Riesling, Thadd Springs Vineyard
Kamloops, South Thompson River, B.C.
StarStarStarStar$20.90

Crafted from late-picked Riesling grapes grown on limestone soil, this elegant sweetie seduces but does not overwhelm. Sensory highlights include baked apple, poached pear, tangerine, mineral and honey with zesty acidity. Pair with foie gras, pear/apple tart, Brie.

 

wine-intrigue-okanagan-valley-rieslinglang-vineyards-okanagan-valley-rieslingIntrigue 2013 Riesling
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley
StarStarStarStar$16.90

Made by winemaker Roger Wong from grapes grown in the “Two Wongs Make a White” vineyard in Oyama, this charmer exudes freshness and fragrance. Near dry palate exhibits honeysuckle, green apple, orange peel and pineapple. Relishes canapes and fish terrine.

 

Lang Vineyards 2012 Farm Reserve Riesling
Naramata, Okanagan Valley
StarStarStarStar$20

Winner of 2014 Best of Riesling Award at the Spring Wine Festival, Lang’s signature white defines finesse and fragrance. Juicy, off-dry palate features flower petals, green apple, yellow plum, lemon, hay, mineral and honey. Calls for Chinese food, smoked fish.

 

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Penfolds 2012 Bin 51 Riesling
Eden Valley, South Australia
StarStarStarStar1/2 $26.99

From fruit grown in cooler climate and higher altitude Eden Valley, dry, richly-textured example exhibits exotic fragrances of jasmine, petrol, lime and apple cider, and mouth-watering flavours of lemon, mineral and honey. Takes crab or lobster with Asian spices.