($22): In 1999, Dr. Ernst Loosen, a leading producer in the Mosel (the ancestral home of the Riesling grape) and Chateau Ste Michelle embarked on a collaboration to produce world class Riesling in Washington’s Columbia Valley.  The collaboration made sense since Chateau Ste Michelle was among the first to plant Riesling in Washington and the Dr. Loosen estate had been making Riesling in the Mosel for over 200 years.  Their Eroica has always been a fine wine, but the gorgeous 2012 is likely their best ever.  This exciting Riesling has it all — fresh floral white peaches buttressed by firm mineraly and laser-like acidity.  The flavors dance across the palate.  Its vibrancy, the essential component of Riesling and lacking in so many versions, makes this wine a standout.  Drink it as a show-stopping aperitif, with spicy Asian fare, or roast duck.  For that matter, drink it with most anything.
95 Michael Apstein Dec 17, 2013