Barnard Griffin Riesling

Washington continues to make some of the best Rieslings in the U.S., and I don't think there's another U.S. location where the quality to price ratio is better.  That definitely applies to the 2010 Barnard Griffin Riesling.  I liked this wine a lot in its 2008 incarnation, listed as Columbia Valley rather than Washington State, and I like this one just as much, though there were some differences. There is a little more lime than apple in the 2010 vintage, though both are noticeable.  It shows some resemblance to a dry Australian Riesling, but there is also a bit of Germany in the wine. It was crisp, tart, and light on the tongue, but full of flavor.

Dinner was pan seared shrimp with ginger, hoisin, garlic, and rice wine served alongside some rice.  It was spicy without being hot and the wine and the spice were just great together.  Easy to drink and very complimentary to the food, and that's exactly what I wanted for that evening.

From a quality to price point of view I don't think anyone in Washington does it better than these folks.

Barnard Griffin, Washington State Riesling.  11.8% alcohol and a wallet pleasing $11.