2018 Bedrock Riesling Wirz Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A 14.5% Riesling is quite a rarity. Morgan Twain Peterson MW's example is based on dry-farmed, ungrafted vines planted in 1963 on decomposed granite and limestone 'lovingly tended by the magnificently mustached Pat Wirz' according to the back label. Fermented with ambient yeast and aged in neutral French oak. Cienaga Valley is in San Benito County and is where Almaden grapes were sourced to a great extent. Gosh that brings back memories! Very sensitive fruit/acid balance with a little astringency. Classic bright Monterey fruit from wind-whipped vines. Really attractive wine that is definitively California. Nothing whatever to do with Germany, Alsace, Austria or Australia. Any more sweetness would be too much but this is most attractive sipping wine that would be fabulous with many a spicy Asian dish. Thai especially. I don't think it will fall apart in a hurry but its youthful freshness is definitely an asset in this case. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
‘From own-rooted vines planted in 1963 in the Cienega Valley on sandy soils derived from limestone and granite, this vineyard put out a scant 1–1.5 tons per acre of perfumed, vibrant fruit in 2018. Fermented dry (we will invariably get a lot of questions since it's Riesling) and made more in the style of Alsatian, Austrian or Grosses Gewächs iterations of the variety.’ Another interesting back story… Lots of slightly austere lime perfume. But unexpected amounts of ripe fruit on the palate until a slightly phenolic finish. Not bad! Certainly very good for a California Riesling even if it lacks the sophistication of many German dry Rieslings. (JR)
From own-rooted, dry-farmed vines planted in 1963, the 2018 Riesling Wirz Vineyard opens with savory notes of candle wax, smoke and mushrooms with citrus fruit and petrichor. The palate is light-bodied with citrus flavors and a minerally backbone, finishing with fresh, juicy acidity.
Morgan Twain-Peterson MW is drawn to old vines and he makes no exception for his Riesling from the Cienega Valley in California, with plantings dating back to the 1960s. This is Berry Bros’ first purchase of Riesling from the States. Pretty rich and sweet and gingery. Just a little phenolic. Reminds me a bit of Tandem Riesling. Fab in a CA context but I think we have better value Rieslings available here in the UK. (JR)