
Cole Ranch - Dry Riesling Mendocino County 2022 750ml (13.2% abv)
one of the best west coast Riesling's we have tried!
very classic expression, petrol, crushed stone, dry
Rootdown is fortunate to call Cole Ranch AVA home. Our Riesling vines, planted in 1973, are head-trained and dry-farmed, making them exceptionally distinctive. Rootdown is dedicated to back-to-roots winemaking, where Mike aims to showcase the unique terroir of Cole Ranch. 2022 was a very dry year which led to an early bud break. We foot-treaded the Riesling before bladder pressing. This method allowed us to extract higher acid tones and texture, resulting in a more refined wine. We fermented the Riesling blend in 230-gallon eggs and neutral barrels, ensuring the wine retains its unique characteristics. In the past Mike has produced 2 different Rieslings expressing 2 different dry styles. For the 2022 vintage Mike felt the most exceptional wine to express the vintage and terroir would be to combine the two creating a wine that moves on the palate in multiple directions and texture.
Tasting Notes
This Riesling is a true reflection of the electricity and linear quality of R1, while also encompassing the horizontal texture of the R2. Truly the best of both worlds! It's a lively wine that bursts on the palate with a pop of dandelion stems and wet slate. On the nose, there are hints of freshly baked pie crust made with quince, followed by the herbaceous notes found in Cole Ranch Penny Royal, and the subtle aroma of ripe banana peel.
region
vareital
style
farming/cellar
pairing