2021 Canvasback Royal Slope Riesling
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This graceful and alluring Riesling comes from Lawrence Vineyard and Frenchman Hills Vineyard, both located in The Royal Slope region of the northern Columbia Valley. With an average elevation of 1,650 feet, the cool climate of The Royal Slope produces a beautifully complex and dynamic white wines. To preserve its dazzling layers of white peach, blood orange, pineapple and candied ginger, this off-dry Riesling was fermented and aged both in stainless steel and large oak casks.
Wine Enthusiast
90
James Suckling
91
Wine Profile
Production Notes
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Riesling
Winemaker Notes
This intensely aromatic wine leaps from the glass in enticing layers of jasmine, orange oil, stone fruit, fresh ginger, lilies and white pineapple. Focused and intense with energetic acid, while balanced with rounded textures, the mouthfeel creates dynamic sensations that dance across the palate. A hint of residual sugar frames the flavors of grapefruit, lemon zest, apricot and wet stone, all culminating in a bright, refreshing finish.
Production
The 2021 vintage on Red Mountain will be famous for its warm growing season and its drought conditions, which combined to produce historically low yields. While budbreak was two weeks ahead of normal thanks to a warm, dry spring, blustery weather during flowering caused some shatter leading to very low yields. For Riesling, this created small clusters and berries, and more space in the cluster than usual. Consistent summer warmth ensured excellent vine health and harvest started early with ideal temperate weather during September and October. Despite ripening nearly 30 days ahead of the previous three vintages, natural acidity remained high and the wines have incredible freshness and intensity.
Other Notes
Sourced from vineyards above 1,600 feet in low yielding older Riesling blocks. Combination of steel and cask ageing allowed for prolonged lees contact and oxygen exchange from wood, verve, tension, and control over the residual sugar offered by ageing in stainless steel. Lees stirred during first 2 months of fermentation. Unfined at bottling.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Riesling
Appellation
Royal Slope
Sugar
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.72%
Acid
0.82 g/100 ml
pH
3.02
Aging
KEY COOPERS: Stockinger, 100% neutral oak
Fermentation
Aged 6 months in stainless steel & Austrian oak
Alcohol %
12.80
Wine Enthusiast
90
James Suckling
91