I saw this in a bottle shop, and honestly I’ve been a bit fed up with Riesling lately. As you know, last month I went to the Good Food and Wine Show I tried a few Rieslings here and there. Overall, too young to be consumed without food. I found nothing where I thought, “wow thats interesting” or “the depth in that wine is stunning”. All citrusy and dull.
Statement: Petaluma Chardy is the bomb. Instantly a reliable wine.
I saw this, a Petaluma Riesling $33 in a bottle shop. I figured I would give Riesling one last try. Afterall every palate changes, as do styles over the years. After all – you wouldn’t be seen dead with your mothers 80′s perm today would you? But maybe our kids will “die for it”.
Maybe my relationship with Riesling is just over. Its not you its me. MY palate has changed and there is no longer room in my cellar for you. Sure, we’ll meet again from time to time – with mutal friends and at work events and functions and we’ll be polite to each other. But it just won’t be the same. You’re back on the market, and I’ll put you back on the shelf.
But I decided that Riesling can still be a romantic at times. Not just monosyllabic like my partner can be. Just like Dave has shown me over the years, Riesling can be dual toned, deep, personal and long lasting. Hell, there are times when we can disagree but maybe its just a phase. Riesling surely couldnt be a phase?
So I grabbed it, lovingly Dave paid for it (love you), and I cracked it. Literally of course this time, because its a stelvin seal.
Lovely Golden colour. I know I’m flirting with danger here, I don’t like to cheat on Chardonnay with another intense wine unless I will be truely satisfied. And looks do matter.
The nose is subtle, yet delicate and flawless. Its a rounded bouquet with pear, slight citrus texture and lemon blossoms. Hint of spiciness follows through reminding me of cinnamon toast in the morning.
Cumquats on the palate – and not just because of the euphemism! Mixed Citrus including lemons dance all over the front of the palate. This is broadened by the breadth of acidity on offer – which I am already noticing is discipating with bottle age- but well balanced by generous fruit. There is a minerally/flinty/chalky character – but I don’t think most would notice.
This wine needs to continue to be cellared by those who could tame it!! Lie it down, and awake it when you’re ready for a full styled, generous Riesling that can steal your heart all over again.
And before the complaints set in I haven’t even said how it felt on my tongue! LOL
This wine has rejuvinated my love of Riesling. Its a pity that there are too many flowery models out there only interested in your money.
On first approach, the palate is rich and grippy. I am loving the saturated berry/ plummy fruits that coat the palate. There is a spiciness seeping through on the palate, and black pepper on the nose. The texture is of chalky tannins dancing with American Oak. The bouquet is vibrant with Black Cherries (fresh 
