Winemaker Notes
Strong Indian and Asian spices are a perfect match with this Dry Riesling. The wine also pairs well with crab, shellfish, sushi and seared Ahi tuna. Our favorite match is on a porch swing or sipping by the pool.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A zesty, tangy, spirited Riesling that has great citrus, lime peel and sharp lemon characters. It is done in a lean, crisp style that is in some ways aggressive and unexpected, but still very appetizing.
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Tasting Panel
From a classic winery on the National Register of Historic Places; crisp and juicy with racy acidity and lively citrus; fresh and tangy with nervy style.
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.
As one of Napa’s coolest sub-appellations, the area begs for diversity among its vineyards. Merlot and Chardonnay firmly compete with Cabernet Sauvignon for a place here. Some of Napa’s best Zinfandels also come from the Oak Knoll District.
Situated far in Napa’s southern end, Oak Knoll receives a strong cooling influence from both the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast’s evening fog and breezes. Summer days are warm but on average ten degrees cooler than in St. Helena farther north up the valley; summer nights are chilly. A long growing season promotes for leisurely ripening of grape berries, resulting in an impressive balance of sugars, phenols and acidity.
Notable producers include Trefethen, one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, Robert Biale, legendary Zinfandel producer and Lewis Cellars, a family-run, hands-on establishment.