2012 Eroica Riesling for $18.50 at Trader Joe’s
This is a wine I’ve written about before, because when the first vintage (1999) was first released it was the first innovative American Riesling of the modern era, and because it subsequently went on to become the benchmark against which all new drier style American Rieslings are judged by the somms and wine merchants. Since made Bob Berthau became the chief winemaker of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington State a decade ago he and Ernie Loosen of the Dr. Loosen winery in Bernkastel/Mosel have been one of Planet Riesling’s great winemaking teams and Eroica has gained in charm and brilliance. The 2012 Eroica with its vibrant white peach and pink grapefruit aromas is at once juicy enough to be a no-brainer, but also offers a lot of subtlety if you give it some time in the glass and pay close attention. It is also a Riesling that is dry enough, but not too dry (like all good Washington State Rieslings its not short on acidity!) to be a great combination with a wide range of food. I pan-fried a piece of king salmon and cooked some green asparagus with pesto and it was damn near perfect with it and made it feel like spring had already arrived in New York Wine City, although the temperature was still below freezing. I found it at Trader Joe’s wine store just down the road on East 14th Street where the price is very friendly (I give the inclusive NY sales tax price) compared with the $20 plus state tax norm.
PS In Germany you can find the excellent 2011 Eroica Riesling at the following address for Euro 22,50
8 Responses to New York Riesling Diary: Day 30 – Wine of the Month March 2012 (Eroica is a steal at Trader Joe’s!)