WTN: '03 Bonny Doon Central Coast Dry Riesling

This came in from the "DEWN" wine club a while back and I finally decided to pop the cork. Unfortunately, I managed to lose the info that came with it, so I have no more specific info on vineyard(s), winemaking technique, etc. 13.0% alcohol.

Medium gold color. Sort of a chalky nose with some lemon peel and gasoline mixed in with it. Very Alsatian flavor profile - intense orange and lemon oil flavors, lemony acidity, some gasoline. Gets a little minerality towards the mid-palate and finishes clean and long.

This is a very interesting wine. I have limited experience with Alsatian riesling, so I can't say how it stacks up except that it tastes MUCH more like that part of France than Central California. If nothing else, it's an excellent proof of concept. (Whether that's what Randall meant or not.)

If nothing else, it's an excellent proof of concept.

What's the concept and what is being proven?

That riesling can be delicious in CA?

If nothing else, it's an excellent proof of concept.

What's the concept and what is being proven?

That riesling can be delicious in CA?

Sorry - not very clear on that. It was the first California riesling I've had that tasted like it could have come from Alsace.

It is good to hear that Bonny Doon is improving when it comes to making Riesling. A few years ago I had their "Critique of Pure Riesling" and it was dreadful wine.

A few years ago I had their "Critique of Pure Riesling" and it was dreadful wine.

I wonder what the concept was there

It is good to hear that Bonny Doon is improving when it comes to making Riesling. A few years ago I had their "Critique of Pure Riesling" and it was dreadful wine.

Well, I'll have to say that the wines from the DEWN program have been very much hit-or-miss. There are a few that have been outstanding (such as this one and an Italian blend from a couple of years ago) but there have also been some real over-ripe over-oaked messes. I guess it's forgivable in a way since the program is supposed to involve more experimental wines.

I just hope they can repeat their success with this dry riesling.