Tantalus Vineyards Riesling 2008

Okanagan Valley, BC
$22.90 – $25.00

www.tantalus.ca

When a little ol’ wine from little ol’ BC garners acclaim from one of the world’s leading wine authors, authorities and palates, it’s pretty freaking impressive. This past summer, Jancis Robinson, the author of Oxford Companion to Wine aka “the greatest wine book ever published” visited BC, and had this to say about the Tantalus Riesling 2008 (one of her top 10 Canadian wine picks):

“Truly outstanding. Very pure, fine Riesling aromas. Great spread of tight but not austere character across the palate. Great balance and length. This one should run and run.”

It’s easy to understand her enthusiasm. Vibrant citrus, green apple and fresh melon flavours, with juicy acidity, focused concentration and a lengthy finish make this wine a true pleasure to drink.  Without a doubt, one of BC’s best wines.  Long, cool fermentation has prolonged the fresh, crisp fruit – this Riesling is crafted from the 2nd press of the free run juice that makes up their Old Vine Riesling.

When I was up in the Okanagan this past September, I bought a case of this Riesling to drink now – plus a few bottles of the Old Vine Riesling to lay down for 3-5 years.  The Tantalus Winery of my visit will look vastly different from the Tantalus of today. A brand-new ultra modern and architecturally stunning winery and tasting room were nearing completion when I visited, and I had the unexpected pleasure of a tour from winery GM (and jack of all trades) Jane Hatch.  Jane, who I’m sure had a gazillion things going on preparing for harvest, graciously took the time to show us the stunning new 12,000 sq. ft building – LEED certified (BC’s first LEED winery) and window heavy – taking advantage of the view over their vines on the hillside below but also to maximize natural light whenever possible.  One entire glass wall of the tasting room has been made to open, blurring the lines between inner and outer vineyard experience.  There are also windows between the raised tasting room, and the tank room, allowing visitors to see production in process and become connected to the process.

Rating:  (click here to see what our wine ratings mean)

By Treve Ring – EAT online wine editor