Oak Knoll Winery 2008 Riesling - Review

Oak Knoll Winery
2008 Riesling
Willamette Valley, OR

Oak Knoll has a place in Oregon wine history as the first winery in Washington County. It was founded by Ronald and Marjorie Vuylsteke in 1970. The couple, along with their children and nephew Jeff (currently Oak Knoll's head winemaker), continue to run this family operation today. The winery focuses on the grape varietals that thrive in the cool climate of the northern Willamette Valley, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling as well as fruit wines and Cabernet and Syrah from Washington's Columbia Valley. The 2008 Riesling offers a pleasing expression of the region's cool weather at a very attractive price. Made in a semi-sweet style at 3 per cent residual sugar, it is lively and acidic, offering a nice balance between sweet and tart. On the nose it offers floral and Asian pear aromas. Tropical fruit flavors (primarily pineapple) dominate the front of the palate with a bit of grapefruit acidity adding interest. The wine evolves as it rolls across the tongue, introducing honey sweetness and a bit of bitter grapefruit zest at the back of the palate. Try it with simple picnic foods like cold fried chicken, tuna sandwiches or a luscious summer fruit plate.

Rating: 13/20
Price: $10

Other Rieslings we have tasted
Check out our Willamette Valley Travel Guide

For more information, visit www.oakknollwinery.com