94
points
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2009 Eroica Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
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$24
This wine just gets better with every new vintage. Young and fresh, it hits the palate with lip-puckering acidity, rolling on flavors of lemons, oranges, citrus rind, and then into mango and papaya. Though the residual sugar is listed at 1.6%, it shows only in a pleasing roundness in the lengthy finish. Delicious now, but entirely cellar-worthy for a decade or longer.
— P.G.
(5/1/2011)
93
points
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2008 Eroica Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
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$24
The 10th vintage of Eroica may be the best ever. It’s supremely fresh, spicy, and mineral-driven. The well-textured mouthfeel runs the gamut from celery, chervil and other fresh herbs into melon, citrus and stone. Though technically off-dry, this is a low pH, high acid wine with plenty of length and depth.
— P.G.
(12/31/2009)
92
points
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2001 Eroica Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
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$20
For the first time this Ste. Michelle/Ernst Loosen collaboration is sourced predominantly from Yakima Valley vineyards. It is drier, more minerally than past vintages, with crisp, elegant pineapple, white peach and green apple fruit. Tight and beautifully structured, it shows surprising power through the long, crystalline finish. Cellar Selection.
— P.G.
(9/1/2002)
91
points
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2002 Eroica Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
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$20
This is consistently the most concentrated, complex and stylish Riesling made in Washington. In this excellent year it shows ripe pineapple, white peach and lime fruit, set up beautifully with crisp, defining acids. Balanced and intensely fragrant; with only 12% alcohol. 10,000 cases made.
— P.G.
(12/31/2003)
89
points
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2003 Eroica Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
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$20
A collaborative effort with Ernst Loosen, of the Dr. Loosen estate. Bright, intensely flavored grapes are given special handling (night harvest, no crusher/destemmer, slow-fermenting yeasts) and deliver a complex, fleshy and layered Riesling. This bottling is a bit more forward and juicy than past vintages have been.
— P.G.
(9/1/2004)