Chateau Montelena is famous for its Chardonnay and very age-able Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. But some of you may know that they also make a Riesling from Potter Valley grapes, high up at the headwaters of the Russian River in Mendocino County. Why bother? Because it’s special. Closer to Australia’s Eden Valley in style rather than the banks of the Rhine, this is a generous, wholly original wine that will please connoisseur and novitiate alike.
2014 Riesling, Chateau Montelena Winery, Potter Valley $25 srp
A light, lemon rind color. Intense, but oh-so mellow nose of honeycomb, summer flowers and a citrus laden, lanolin-like sensation that is beguiling. Just a touch of gasoline haunts the bouquet, which is a characteristic of ripe Riesling. (Not at all off-putting!) Flavors are full-textured yet remarkably lithe, with a lemon-lime finish that provides good acid, yet remains long and succulent. Delightful on its own, or with Hunan, Cajun or a spicy seafood gumbo. Drink now.
92/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
