Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
Eroica 2012 Gold Riesling, Columbia Valley STE. MICHELLE Most Likely To Get Rich WINE ESTATES Schloss Vollrads 2012 Riesling Eiswein, Rheingau, Germany ($172/375 ml.) We could not possibly exclude the wines from the historic Schloss Vollrads estate in the Rheingau from our 2013 Yearbook. The winery can boast of nearly 800 years of viticultural history, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the world. The castle, surrounded by a moat, was constructed by the von Greiffenchlau family in the late 1600s, but parts of the property—like an ancient water tower—were built as far back as the 1300s. At the helm of winemaking expertise today at Schloss Vollrads is the esteemed Dr. Rowald Hepp, who leads a team that is dedicated to producing Riesling wines that reflect their varietal character and that retain the grape's natural aromas and minerals. The 2012 vintage was marked by a wet growing season and rain late in October but the team decided to risk suspending the main harvest until after the rains subsided—and that patience paid off. This 2012 Eiswein offers a superb regional authenticity, showing rich aromatic fruit aromas and brilliant acidity, balanced out by a generous amount of residual sugar. This is a wine we love to drink on its own, and at just 7.5% alcohol it is a welcome conclusion to a multi-course meal. Drink it now or hold as it will develop beautifully with age. Thick and creamy with luscious notes of peach and citrus fruits; elegant and intensely honied and showing the essence of the Riesling variety. SCHMITT SÖHNE Famille Perrin 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards, France VINEYARD BRANDS Ferrari-Carano 2009 Trésor, Sonoma County Ferrari-Carano 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Mountain Vineayrds, Alexander Valley Feudi di San Gregorio 2008 Irpinia Aglianico "Serpico," Italy PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL Finca Constancia 2010 Altos de la Finca, Tierra de Castilla, Spain SAN FRANCISCO WINE EXCHANGE Foley Estates 2010 Chardonnay, Courtney's Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills KOBRAND CORP. Fonseca Guimaraens 2011 Porto, Portugal KOBRAND CORP. Forrest Estate 2012 Riesling, The Doctors, Marlborough, New Zealand PACIFIC PRIME WINES Franz Haas 2011 Schweizer Lagrein, Alto Adige, Italy EMPSON USA Frei Brothers Reserve 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County E&J GALLO Gérard Bertrand 2010 Cigalus, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France GÉRARD BERTRAND US Goldschmidt 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon PLUS, Vyborny Vineyard, Alexander Valley González Byass NV Palo Cortado "Leonor," Sherry, Spain SAN FRANCISCO WINE EXCHANGE Grassi Wine Company 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Grgich Hills 2008 Petite Sirah, Miljenko's Vineyard, Napa Valley Hanna 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley Hanzell Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir, Sessions Vineyard, Sonoma Valley HdV 2009 Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley WILSON DANIELS Hearst Ranch Winery 2010 "Chileano" Tempranillo, Paso Robles Herdade do Esporão 2008 Private Selection, Alentejo, Portugal AIDIL WINES & LIQUORS Hestan Vineyards 2008 Stephanie, Napa Valley 134 / the tasting panel / december 2013 TP1213_104-148.indd 134 11/23/13 8:38 PM