Chateau Grand Traverse Old Mission Peninsula Block 12 Riesling, 2021

 

British wine wrtier Jancis Robinson turned me on to this wine. After tasting numerous Rieslings from many different countries, she found this one from Michigan to be her No. 1 choice. The vineyard that was then Block 49 is now known as Block 12, and I buy a bottle or two every vintage. Compared to the Dry Riesling ($15) and the Whole Cluster ($16), Block 12 sells for $20 and is worth every penny.

As the name suggests, this Riesling comes from a specific vineyard that has established itself as worthy of a special bottling. The Riesling vines here come from Alsace (Clone #49) rather than Germany, and the difference is apparent in the flavors and textures.  Gorgeous smells and flavors--deep and complex. Granny Smith apple, minerals, white flowers, slight petrol. 11% alcohol, somewhat sweeter than the Dry Riesling and the Whole Cluster Riesling but with good acidity to balance. Lingering flavors that tease the palate. Of the three very good Rieslings I tasted today, this was my clear favorite.