What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2010 Eroica Riesling by Chateau Ste. Michelle

It's been awhile since I found some Rieslings that really spurred me to write about them, but these past few days have been filled with Riesling experiences that are sure to please.  Eroica is a second label by Chateau Ste. Michelle and duel efforts behind Chateau Ste. Michelle's winemaker, Bob Bertheau, and Mosel (Germany) winemaker, Ernst Loosen.  You can watch details of their partnership HERE.

2010 Eroica Riesling
(Photo from Chateau Ste. Michelle's website)

2010 Eroica Riesling by Chateau Ste. Michelle

The D-2010 Scale 

2010 Eroica Riesling by Chateau Ste. Michelle (Columbia Valley, Washington, USA)

Appearance (10 points possible): pale yellow color, clear - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Fresh cut apples, hints of orange, light honeysuckle and citrus. - 15 points

Taste (10 points possible):  Light and acidic.  Fresh citrus and apple flavors on the palate.  Slightly astringent and citrusy at the end of palate.  After the bottle sits open for awhile, you get hints of sweetness in the finish along with some floral, honeysuckle undertones. - 7 points

Balance (5 points possible): The acidity does stand out a bit in this wine, which I found a bit surprising compared to some sweeter, heavier Mosel wines that I've tasted.  It also seems a bit more acidic than some of Chateau Ste. Michelle's other wines, which doesn't make it bad, but it does make the acid seem more prevalent in this wine. - 4 points

Finish (5 points possible): Some floral and citrus flavors in the finish with light astringency.  Lingers on your palate for a long time. - 4 points

Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*

Quality of Package (5 points possible):  Beautiful aromatic-white/Rhine-style bottle and natural cork. - 5 points

Label Marketability (10 points possible):  Label is not the traditional Chateau Ste. Michelle label.  In fact, it actually caught my eye out of several other Rieslings in the store, which is why I purchased it.  :)  The word "eroica" actually means "heroic" in Italian, and I think this label somewhat captures that word and wine. - 9 points

Other (5 points possible):  There's no large extras on this bottle. - 3 points

Total Points: 87 points

Overall Thought: I like this wine.  It's a bit brighter in acidity than I traditionally look for in a Riesling, but it makes the wine bright and light.  It's a refreshing seafood lover's wine.

Food Pairings:  I see this as a seafood Riesling or very light pasta dishes.

Cost: $20 - $30

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - A bit pricey compared to other Rieslings, but worth the try.

Where to buy:  Again, I found this in the state store, but you can also find out where to buy by looking at their website