Cloudy Bay, Marlborough (New Zealand) Late Harvest Riesling 2008

($31, Moët Hennessey USA):  Cloudy Bay put New Zealand on the world’s wine map with their Sauvignon Blanc two decades ago.  They just might do the same with Late Harvest Riesling, judging from this one.  Sure, it’s sweet, but not cloying, and delivers hints of peaches and apricot skin.  What distinguishes it is its vibrant and penetrating acidity.  A mouth tingling zestiness means your palate doesn’t tire and you gladly take another sip.  Remember, the true measure of a wine is in your last sip, not your first.  375ml. 92 Michael Apstein Feb 14, 2012