1998 Petaluma Riesling

A difficult year - the result of a four year drought. The wine does not have the taste trade mark Riesling exhuberance. Bright pale straw colour. The nose is quite broad but without great length. Orange blossom and citrus palate flavours to the forefront, with early signs of toasted honey emerging in the background. The acid levels are sufficient for the short term. Cellar 2-3 years.

RETASTED 03/06/1999: A restrained Petaluma Riesling without the depth or complexity of the 1997. Bright very pale straw colour. The nose displays delicate lime and citrus aromas with a floral background. The palate is subtle with citrus and lime flavours dominant, yet without the power or depth that great Riesling can display. Clean crisp acid finish. Cellar 3-5 years and allow the wine to gain some bottle complexity.