The 2008 Fletcher Family Riesling is more phenolic on the nose and more ‘petrolly’ than the Glasnevin. Dried fruits, yellow flowers, a touch of honeycomb and spice. Good definition. Moderate weight, vibrant acidity and weight with green apple, kiwi fruit and a touch of lime leading to an understated finish. This is a cerebral Riesling. Craggy Range continue to press forward with their ambitious plans and are rapidly becoming one of the most familiar New Zealand producers both at an entry-level, having successfully penetrated the competitive supermarket shelves in the UK, but also winning plaudits for their array of flagship bottlings such as Le Sol, Sophia and The Quarry. I concentrated on new releases but re-tasted some of the Pinot Noirs that I felt have improved significantly.Importer: Kobrand Corporation, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700

Despite 13.5 g/l of residual sugar, this wine’s crisp acids give it a dry impression that verges on austerity. Green apple and lime flavors end on a note of mouthdrying stone dust. ——J.C.(6/1/2010)—— 88