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90POINTS
16½/20
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling Natural Brut 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is quite a singular wine, for BC, and Canada. From their 1978 block of estate riesling vines (block 5), this traditional method brut sells out every year, prized for its originality and rarity as much for its vibrant, mouth-watering acidity and drive. Only 50 cases were made this vintage. This is part of their iconic Old Vines Riesling grapes, picked the same day, and diverted off into this small lot fizz. Post primary ferment, this portion spent 22 months on lees in bottle, disgorged in late 2021 with 5 g/L dosage. Riesling has a hard time with traditional method, and only very serious Sekt has overcome. This wine, benefitted by the Okanagan's generous fruit ripeness, makes it work, resulting in a sharp, shining, singing sparkling, that easily rivals the best coming out of Germany. Green apple, red apple, lemon pith run the sleek, vibrant palate, textured with pithy lime, bright with lemon-lime acidity, and bedded with river stones. Lively aperitif.Tasted: 20 May 2021Tasted by: Prices:| BC | $43.48 | 750ml | winery online/direct |
Grape: RieslingCSPC: 450262UPC: 626990154310
