Columbia Valley, Washington
VINEYARD
The 2022 Poet’s Leap Riesling is sourced from old vine Riesling grown at Sagemoor’s Gamache Vineyard. Planted in the mid-1980s, this is a cooler site than other parts of the Columbia Valley. Riesling grown here is notable for its beautiful acidity and appealing citrus character. A small amount of Bacchus Vineyard and Yakima Valley’s DuBrul Vineyard Riesling round out the blend, adding minerality and an attractive stone fruit character to the finished wine.
Vintage Notes: Despite unusual growing conditions that kept growers and winemakers on edge throughout the season, the 2022 vintage will be remembered for producing beautiful, elegant wines with intense color and flavors. Spring was cold and wet, with the weather refusing to warm until late June. When temperatures finally increased, shoot growth was explosive, requiring extra care and effort in the vineyards. By early September, it became clear that yields would be large, causing concern about ripening as temperatures remained unseasonably cool. However, by late September, the weather warmed significantly. Record-high temperatures stretched into late October, providing the extra hang time the grapes needed to finish ripening and develop full physiological maturity.
CELLAR
Small lots of handpicked grapes were gently sorted and whole cluster pressed to avoid imparting bitterness before fermenting in stainless steel tanks at a cool 60°F to preserve fresh fruit aromas and flavors. After fermentation, a strict selection process followed, with the winemaker carefully evaluating each lot to compose a balanced final blend showcasing the Riesling’s clean, racy character.
ACCOLADES
92 points – Wine Enthusiast
91 points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous Media
LS – Poets Leap 2022 – Tech Sheet
LS – Poets Leap 2021 – Tech Sheet
LS – Poets Leap 2020 – Tech Sheet