($16, Banfi Vintners):  Riesling “Grand Barossa” 2010 ($16, Banfi Vintners):  I’ve had so many fine Rieslings from Australia that I should not be surprised by another one.  But this one surprised me, not because it was so good, but because of the origin of the grapes.  Australia’s Barossa is actually comprised of two valleys, the Barossa Valley and the Eden Valley.  While exceptional Shiraz comes from both locales, the Eden Valley is also well known for Riesling.  This wine’s bracing minerality and precision suggested the grapes came from the Eden Valley.  Not true, according to Stuart Barrie, spokesman for Chateau Tanunda, the grandest winery in the region.  He notes that the fruit came from their vineyards in the Barossa Valley, some of which were planted in the 1920s.  They harvest early to capture the grapes’ acidity and as a result the wine has a stated alcohol of only 11.5%.  Beautifully balanced, this dry Riesling has depth and verve, making it a perfect choice to cut the heat and humidity currently afflicting the east coast. It would go equally well with mussels in a tomato sauce or light summery salads. 90 Michael Apstein Jul 12, 2011