October 2024 Wine Tasting: Germany, Napa, and Victorian Styles

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Discover the exceptional 2023 Rieslings from Germany and Austria, featuring perfect scores and unique profiles, alongside Napa Valley and Victoria's finest wines.

The Rise of Riesling: A Journey Through Germany and Austria

Riesling wines have long been celebrated for their unique characteristics. The 2023 vintage in Germany and Austria has particularly shone brightly. This year, three wines achieved perfect scores, showcasing the exceptional quality of the region’s offerings.

Key Highlights:

• The Günther Steinmetz Riesling Mosel Neumagener Rosengärtchen V.d.T. 2023 stands out for its wild fermentation process.
• This wine combines old vines with a long fermentation, resulting in a complex and aromatic profile.
• Another notable wine is the Jakob Schneider Riesling Nahe Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Über’m Häuschen Trocken 2023, praised for its slaty texture and wild herb complexity.

Moreover, Austria’s Markus Huber has made waves with his Riesling Traisental Berg EL 2023. This wine is a testament to elegance and finesse, further solidifying the region’s reputation for high-quality Rieslings.

Exploring the Nuances of Napa Valley

Napa Valley continues to impress with its diverse wine offerings. The Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Hillside Select 2021 received near-perfect scores. This wine is known for its ripe flavors and structured profile, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

Noteworthy Mentions:

• The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 2021 also garnered attention for its age-worthy qualities.
• On the Sonoma side, winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave has excelled with her Cattleya Pinot Noir West Sonoma Coast The Goddess 2022. This wine is both charming and concentrated, showcasing the region’s potential.

Additionally, Gonzalez Rave’s Cattleya Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands The Reward 2022 stands out for its nuanced flavors. This wine combines plush blackberry notes with peppery undertones, creating a delightful tasting experience.

Uniquely Victorian: The Best of Australia’s Wine Scene

Victoria’s wine scene is thriving, with exceptional offerings emerging from various regions. In Geelong, Lethbridge Wines has gained recognition for its innovative approach. Their Between Five Bells Savignan Geelong Yellow NV is inspired by the vin jaune style from France, showcasing a unique flavor profile.

Top Picks:

• The Bannockburn Chardonnay Geelong S.R.H. 2023 is celebrated for its balance of power and finesse.
• In Rutherglen, the All Saints Estate Muscat Rutherglen Rare NV impresses with its complexity and aging potential.

Moreover, the Giaconda Chardonnay Beechworth Estate Vineyard 2022 exemplifies site-specific winemaking. This wine highlights the mineral-rich terroir, offering a distinctive taste that reflects its origins.

In conclusion, the global wine landscape is rich and diverse. From the Rieslings of Germany and Austria to the bold offerings of Napa Valley and the unique wines of Victoria, there is much to explore and enjoy. Each region brings its own character and story, making wine tasting an ever-evolving adventure.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Source: James Suckling – October 2024 Tasting Report: Wild in Germany, Making the Leap in Napa and Uniquely Victorian