The Knoll Riesling, Lahoma Vineyards 2019

Aromas of grapefruit and smoke lead into a palate of passion fruit, pineapple, candied lemon and white pepper. This Riesling provides ample concentration and power that are showcased from the surge of bright fruit on the nose through the expansive and lasting finish.

A small 2 acre block located in the heart of Lahoma vineyards, the Knoll is planted in Dunkirk soil on a hillock nestled between two creeks. At a moderate 830 feet elevation with a gentle slope, the Knoll is unique in its expression of Riesling. The sandstone derived soil provides excellent water drainage which is a boon in wet growing seasons. The winemaking team implements extra care in performing leaf thinning and negative fruit selection in the weeks leading up to harvest. All these factors result in the Knoll being the last block of table fruit to be picked, with notable ripeness and concentration found in the fruit and the resulting wine.

The Knoll is planted in Dunkirk soil on a hillock nestled between two creeks. At a moderate 830 feet elevation with a gentle slope, the Knoll is unique in its expression of Riesling. The sandstone derived soil provides excellent water drainage which is a boon in wet growing seasons.

Harvest was remarkably even and dry from September through the third week of October, allowing for flexibility in pick dates to bring in the fruit when it was at peak and the winery was ready for it. While a major rain event closed harvest decisively on October 20th, this fruit was fully mature and ready to pick just in time.

Three day active cold soak on skins prior to pressing, with moderate SO2 added for protection against oxidation during the maceration process. Normal pressing followed without any press fractioning and the juice was cold settled for 72 hours, with bentonite added for heat stability, before racking. Juice bottoms after racking were filtered with diatomaceous earth and returned.

Aged on full deposit of fermentation lees until September of the following year, then immediately rack-filtered and bottled within a week.