Best Buy! California maverick Randall Grahm launched this Riesling-led brand two decades ago, then built a large produciton facility in West Richland, Wash., in 2006. Within five years of that, he sold the brand to the Mariani family from Long Island, and the label is flourishing. Longtime winemaker Steven Sealock makes this with a dry approach, and the nose leads with Lemonhead candy, white peach, honey and just a touch of petrol. While the residual sugar is listed as 2%, it stays along the lines of peach, dried pineapple, orange and lime. There is a touch of honey and toast on the finish, which bodes well for Thai and Mexican fare that carries a bit of heat or even Sara Lee Peppermint Bark Cheesecake.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 30,500 cases
Alcohol: 11.5%
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