2008 Chateau St Michelle Eroica Riesling 94pts(W&S)91pts(WA)Washington

94pts (W&S) It seems as if Eroica gets more precise with each vintage. The joint venture between Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle produced a 2008 that’s simply brilliant, its scents of Thai pineapple and passionfruit leading to limelike flavors hurried along by rippling acidity. There’s tension between the brisk and creamy textures, a contrast of generosity and mineral edges. Pair it with wienerschnitzel. April 2010

91pts(WA)The white wines begin with the 2008 Eroica Riesling, a collaboration between Germany’s Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle. The grapes are sourced from a number of sites and several AVAs. Because of the winery’s vast holdings, this superb Riesling can be made in quantity (27,000 cases) while maintaining exceptional quality. Light straw-colored, it has a lovely, captivating perfume of acacia, honey, mineral, melon, and tropical aromas. Crisp, light- bodied (11.5% alcohol), concentrated, and vibrant, this just off-dry (1.77% RS), Kabinett-styled Riesling has the balance to evolve for several years and should drink well for a decade.Jay Miller Wine Advocate # 185 Oct 2009

“This Eroica shows the crisp acidity of the cooler 2008 vintage. The wine exudes mandarin orange and sweet lime aromas and flavors with subtle mineral notes. The mouth-watering acidity is beautifully balanced by flavorful Washington Riesling fruit. After a decade we have truly found our ‘Eroica style,’ striving for beautiful bright fruit with crisp acidity and enhanced minerarilty.”-Bob Bertheau, Winemaker