Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Double L Vineyard Riesling 2023 ($26)

This is a unique Riesling, with orange zest in spades. While that is unusual for the variety, it works well here as a complement to more common Riesling traits like apple, lime, nectarine, wet stone and spice. A long-lingering ginger and orange zest finish pops with bright acidity and a kiss of residual sugar that make it a natural for spicy Thai food or even chicken enchiladas. If Riesling can be exotic, this is the qualifier. I’m a fan!
95 Rich Cook