Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Double L Riesling displays a graceful, appealing nose of stone fruit and Meyer lemon. Characteristic riesling flavors of nectarine and green apple work beautifully with the wine's opulent aromatics. This wine's style starts with subtle sweetness, yet finishes bright and dry (much like a traditional German "Kabinett". It is a natural pairing for spicy Asian cuisine or Roquefort cheese.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of preserved lemons, gun smoke, kerosine and kaffir limes. The palate is light-bodied with a generous mouthfeel that comes from some residual sugar that is cut through with bright acidity. A good balance of sweetness and acidity, with underlying complexity.
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Vinous
The 2023 Riesling Double L Vineyard opens with a blast of vibrant melon flavors, busting down the door with racy acidity. There’s an appealing rush of juicy, flowery fruit here. Made in a Kabinett style, the 2023 finishes at just 1.5 grams per liter of residual sugar, but its sweetness is perceptible. Soft curves wrap up the close.
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Wine Enthusiast
Very subtle aromas of Pink Lady apple and citrus peel pop on the nose of this bottling. The palate is firmly textured with a waxy mouthfeel, offering jasmine and honeydew flavors.
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.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.