2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Riesling Eroica
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. Reflecting a cool growing season, the Ste Michelle-Loosen 2008 Riesling Eroica displays both aromatic pungency and tart piquancy of green apple and crab apple, along with fresh Bartlett pear and lime. Taut, firm and refreshing as well as with a delightful sense of levity (at 12% alcohol), this offers another instance of ideally-judged sweetness critical to amplifying the fruit and bringing the tart elements into balance while not becoming the thing you think about while drinking. The zesty and tart elements here as well as an alkaline streak render the long finish invigorating even if a tad hard. This fine value should prove versatile for at least another couple of years. Tel. (425) 488-1133
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Apple, petrol, honey, classic stuff. Open, indulgent. Not massively complex but certainly lengthy and well balanced. Well made, interesting and pleasantly sweetish on the finish. (RH)
A chilly vintage, with most grapes sourced from warm Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills sites. Lime juice, lime zest, tangerine and earthy minerals. Tart acidity is balanced by ripe fruit flavours – obviously from deft blending from multiple grape sources. Tastes quite dry. RS 17 g/l. (LM)
Very pale straw-yellow. Subtle aromas of citrus peel, ginger, quinine, linden tea and fresh herbs. Intense stone fruit flavors are bright and tactile, with a slight impression of residual sweetness leavened by vibrant acids. Tasty, complex riesling with very good lift on the firm aftertaste.