Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Reserve Riesling 2008 Front Label
Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Reserve Riesling 2008 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

#97 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2010

As one of our specialty bottlings of Dry Riesling, theReserve draws from specifically identfied lots, highlightng the very best qualites of our estate grown grapes from our three vineyard locatons. The Reserve features a luxurious nose of tangerine followed by a delicate palate of citrus with a touch of juniper berry. A lingering finish contnuesto makes the mouth water long after the wine is gone.Pairs with Asian cuisine, Chicken, Pork.

Professional Ratings

  • 91
    Though still compact now, this is really juicy and ripe, with a great core of yellow apple, melon rind, jasmine and white peach notes backed by a bracing edge. The long, quinine-tinged finish needs a little time to settle in. Drink now through 2013
Hermann J. Wiemer

Hermann J. Wiemer

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Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.

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Increasingly garnering widespread and well-deserved attention, New York ranks third in wine production in the United States (after California and Washington). Divided into six AVAs—the Finger Lakes, Lake Erie, Hudson River, Long Island, Champlain Valley of New York and the Niagara Escarpment, which crosses over into Michigan as well as Ontario, Canada—the state experiences varied climates, but in general summers are warm and humid while winters are very cold and can carry the risk of frost well into the growing season.

The Finger Lakes region has long been responsible for some of the country’s finest Riesling, and is gaining traction with elegant, light-bodied Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Experimentation with cold-hardy European varieties is common, and recent years have seen the successful planting of grapes like Grüner Veltliner and Saperavi (from the Eastern European country of Georgia). Long Island, on the other hand, has a more maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and shares some viticultural characteristics with Bordeaux. Accordingly, the best wines here are made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Niagara Escarpment is responsible for excellent ice wines, usually made from the hybrid variety, Vidal.

PDXTOP10097CA_2008 Item# 107507