2014 Sonoma Mountain "Steiner Vineyard" Grüner Veltliner
100% Grüner Veltliner
With each vintage, our Grüner Veltliner continues to improve. I was particularly pleased when noted author and wine critic Jancis Robinson, upon tasting our 2013 Grüner Veltliner, tweeted that we made the best Grüner in America. Of course there are only something like six of us making it. ☺ Regardless, we were thrilled by the recognition. The original terraced section was picked on August 30th at 22.7 Brix while the newer block was picked on September 2nd at 24.1 Brix. For the final blend, we used all of the terraces but only 59% of the newer block to create our best Grüner yet. Fermented and aged in all stainless. No malolactic fermentation. Bottled under screw cap.
Tasting Note:
Medium-light to medium straw-yellow. Just the barest hint of green. Perfumed aromas of white grapefruit, pineapple, and snap peas. The most Austrian-smelling Grüner we’ve made to date. Medium-bodied with flavors of grapefruit, lime, honeydew melon, and white pepper. A bit more cool-climate-y than previous renditions. Great acidity and a very mineral-y finish. This wine can certainly be enjoyed now but should develop additional complexity with age. Drink from release through 2024. (MRO – 01/19/16)