• Colour

  White

• Vintage

  2010

• Producer

  Charles Smith Wines

• Country

  USA

• Region

  WASHINGTON

• Alcohol

  12.5%

• Product code

  16SMIT1B2010

• Availability

  14 cases

• Grape Variety

  100% Riesling

Tasting Notes

Vinification Details.

2009 was a nearly perfect vintage in Eastern Washington. The grapes were picked in late October after a season of very long, steady, slow ripening. A very long, cold fermentation helped to bring out the maximum in true varietal character, similar to a classic "Mosel-style" Riesling. Both fermentation and aging occurred in 100% stainless steel. This vintage shows the true character and potential of this amazing vineyard. This girl truly rocks with a mineral edge, yet delivers killer fruit character expected from an awesome Riesling. Worth twice the price and from a single vineyard - perfectly 'Modernist Project.'

Producer Information

After managing rock bands in Scandinavia for 11 years, the irreverent and wild-haired Charles Smith founded K Vintners in Walla Walla, Washington in 1999, inspired and encouraged by Christophe Baron of the celebrated Cayuse Vineyards. Focusing largely on small batches of Syrah (K Syrah - geddit?) sourced from top single vineyard sites across the Columbia Valley, his wines have become amongst the most sought-after in the state. Last year he was named Winemaker of the Year by the USA's influential Food & Wine Magazine.

Charles Smith Wines (The Modernist Project) was launched in 2007 and initially developed in association with the Milbrandt family's vineyards on the famous Wahluke Slope. These wines deliver great value with the same high quality approach to winemaking and iconoclastic view of marketing. In Charles' own words: "This is what I am most proud of. It allows everybody to have access to good wine."

"Over the past two years a cult following has sprung up around the persona of Charles Smith. By and large, he has acquired this status the old-fashioned way: he has earned it. Native yeast fermentation, foot crushing, spontaneous malolactic fermentations, gentle basket pressing, no fining or filtration are routinely practiced in the cellar. Even more important, Charles Smith knows where to find the great grapes. In a region where blending is the rule of thumb, he is the ultimate terroirist." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate