Another spring is upon us and it has brought another round of medals for the wines of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery. The Great Northwest Wine Competition is held annually at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. This year it drew over 1200 entries from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. The Gehringer Brothers 2014 Dry Rock Sauvignon Blanc brought home the title of Best White Wine. This wine is a delicate, pale gold in the glass, with a nose that is classic Sauvignon Blanc; sharp citrus and gooseberry. In the mouth, this wine has a terrifically firm structure with bright acidity. Fresh lemon juice and pink grapefruit zest with a mineral note are delightful components and the finish that disappears to leave behind a clean mouthfeel; enlivening. If you’re a fan of the Classic Riesling, keep your eyes open. The winery has started bottling it in an Alsatian bottle rather than the standard Bordeaux bottle.
Over several decades, Walter and his brother Gordon have been honing their craft, making wines of excellent quality year after year, winning award after award. Their wines (and their prices) will amaze you.
2014 Classic Riesling
Awarded both a Gold medal and the Best of Class distinction by the judges. A delicately coloured golden wine in the glass, the nose is filled with fresh, green apples, honey and beeswax. The palate has definite structural integrity with a bright level of acidity. Granny Smith apple, Meyer lemon and beeswax all adorn a mineral spine. The finish is crisp and clean and leaves one salivating for more.
photo: Winemaker Walter Gehringer
~ Courtney Fossett