Ridgecrest Estate Dry Riesling 2023 (750ml)

100% Riesling

ABV 11.9%

Winemaker's Notes
Riesling from Ribbon Ridge is classically highlighted by the presence of round, smooth texture, great acid, and lots of stone fruit. This version is no exception. We leave just a touch of sugar in the wine to balance the brightness felt by the acid, making it the perfect wine for many meals. This wine shows a light straw color, tinged with a bit of green on the edges. The palate is chock full of dried apricots, pineapple, nectarine, candied lime peel, and apple turnover, and the nose highlights some more ethereal aromas, including gardenia, fennel, and pewter. Texturally, this Riesling is smooth and silky, has a backbone of tight acid, and finishes with a juicy, mouthwatering viscosity that leaves you wanting more. Try it with veggie samosas, Hamachi crudo, or Pad Thai. - Wynne

Vintage Notes - 2023:  Return to Normal:  Average Becomes Exceptional
We’ve had several unusual vintages recently, e.g., 2022 (hard freeze), 2021 (hot, hot hot) and 2020 (wildfire smoke). 2023 pleasantly showed us a recent, relative normalcy, albeit warm.

Only two harvests in the last ten have begun earlier, 2023 starting September 11, a full 30 days earlier than our average the first 15 vintages this century. We’re pulling the trigger a bit earlier than before, with 2023 being ripe enough at 2214 degree-days of heat, compared to the last 10 years’ 2348 average at first pick and the growing season end (October 31st) at 2617 CDD—the last 10 years’ growing seasons have averaged 2566 degree-days.

Vineyard vigor, growth and ripening were strong in this summer, with only 2015 having more over-80F days and only 2019 having more rainfall. Cropload yields were slightly smaller by 15% than the all-varietal 2.52 ton-per-acre 5-year average, with disease pressure very low except for a couple late-held varieties and general quality very good to exceptional—and that we’d like to see become normal. - Harry

Scores/Reviews
91 points JEB DUNNUCK -

The 2023 Dry Riesling pours a brilliant silver/straw color and is expressive and detailed, with aromas of candied lime, white pepper, apricot, and fresh tropical flowers. It’s dry, although there’s just the slightest suggestion of sweetness, and while it’s refreshing, there’s nothing austere about it. Very light on its feet, it floats on the palate with a clean feel and is a lovely wine for drinking over the near term. - Audrey Frick, Maturity 2024-2028, Tasting Date 8/6/2024