Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2010 Alexana Riesling “Revana Vineyard” Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Alexana is Revana’s Oregon label, made by the famed Lynn Penner-Ash, and better known for their outstanding Pinot Noir, and of course Revana’s “cult” Napa Cabernet, which was made by Heidi Barrett, though will now be made by rising star Thomas Brown (Schader, Jones Family and Outpost) starting from the 2010 vintage, but it was this Riesling that struck me! The 2010 Alexana Riesling is succulent and bright with beautiful tropical fruits, light mineral tones and hints of honey. The nose has fresh citrus flowers, passion fruit and rose petals before a tangy palate of fresh citrus, candied pineapple, green apple and hints of stone fruit, white peach and red mineral spices. The acidity keeps things lively and zesty too, which makes a huge difference here and lifts this Riesling to a higher level. It should prove a winner for at least 3 to 5 years, though being from younger vines, it would be better to enjoy it now. This is a very fine effort from a very passionate producer that is committed to quality, check this one out and also look for their 2008 and 2009 Pinots, they are stunning as well.
($27 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
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