Brooks Winery, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Riesling 2016

 While Pinot Noir is clearly the highest profile wine from the Willamette Valley, there is much to discover among other grape varieties as well.  The Brooks Winery in the Eola-Amity Hills is noted not only for its excellent Pinot Noirs, but also for its high quality Rieslings.  The 2016 Brooks Ara Riesling sets a new standard for dry Rieslings from Oregon. It is truly impressive in its fruit expression and shows the beautiful complexity and racy appeal of the world’s best Rieslings.  The aromas are full and forward, with lovely scents of peach, apricot, pear and tropical fruits enhanced by nuances of flowers and honey.  The flavors are pure, multilayered and complex with the pear and peach fruits underscored by honey and spice tones and a delectably creamy texture.  With its ripe style, intensity of fruit and electric acidity, the 2016 Brooks Ara Riesling is reminiscent of a trocken Riesling from Germany’s Pfalz or Rheinhessen.  Riesling lovers would do well to stash away a few bottles and watch it develop.