2023 Dry Riesling, Estate *92 pts. Wine Enthusiast

*92 Points Wine Enthusiast

There's a sharp pithy element to the nose of this bottling, which also offers aromas of honeydew and yuzu zest. There's a firm tension to the palate, where nectarine, apple and bright citrus flavors stay light on their feet, as that texture lingers long. — Matt Kettmann

We picked the fruit for this signature C&C wine early on a Tuesday morning in late September, finishing before daybreak with a little over 4 tons of fresh, cool grapes a little over 22 degrees Brix. Gently pressed to extract maximum flavor and aroma, the juice was first settled in stainless steel before racking into tanks and barrrels. As has always been our method since our first vintage in 1983, this Riesling has been fermented to dryness, while still retaining the fresh and fruity hallmarks of the grape.

In the glass the wine opens with aromas of white flowers and lemon zest, with hints of minerality. On the palate there are flavors of lemon, lime and pomolo, with perhaps a suggestion of brioche on the finish. A Riesling like this, with its crisp acidity and generous mouthfeel, is a natural “food wine,” complementing the food withou tyring to dominate it. Try it with seafood (crabcakes, halibut, clam chowder) or poultry (as in the classic Alsatian Coq au Riesling).