The 2009 Eroica Riesling is made in collaboration with Dr. Loosen of Germany. Mineral, floral, and citrus notes, especially lemon-lime, lead to a savory, mouth-filling, Kabinett-style of Riesling that is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and drink well for a decade. Chateau Ste. Michelle's portfolio remains strong.www.ste-michelle.com

For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes.Perhaps reflecting more than anything else its dry, warm, sunny vintage (though the lower dosage of sulfur than in its two successors might also have played a role) the Ste Michelle-Loosen 2009 Riesling Eroica – sourced overwhelmingly from Evergreen Vineyard – is quite fusil though also enticingly sea breeze-like in aroma, and its lime is expressed more as piquant rind than tart juice. Musk melon and Golden Delicious apple succulently flesh-out an almost caressing palate, though total acidity is the same as in the 2010 and only a bit lower than in the 2011, reminding one how little it’s possible to tell about taste in general or vintage character in particular by looking at a chemical analysis. This finishes with judicious sweetness and satisfying succulence but I suspect it will be best enjoyed within the next 9-12 months. Tel. (425) 488-1133

2 This wine just gets better with every new vintage. Young and fresh, it hits the palate with lip-puckering acidity, rolling on flavors of lemons, oranges, citrus rind, and then into mango and papaya. Though the residual sugar is listed at 1.6%, it shows only in a pleasing roundness in the lengthy finish. Delicious now, but entirely cellar-worthy for a decade or longer.——P.G.(5/1/2011)—— 94