Wine Article
2022 Desire Lines Riesling Cole Ranch
Last edited on 9/20/2023 by ancientvines
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From the release newsletter:
The vines were planted at Cole Ranch in 1973, making it one of the oldest Riesling vineyards in the country. The vineyard sits in a narrow valley in the mountains between Boonville and Ukiah. The valley benefits from the cooling maritime influence of nearby Anderson Valley, and yet has a large diurnal and seasonal range of temperatures like inland Mendocino County. It snows in Cole Ranch once or twice a winter, and by October the nights are freezing cold. The vineyard is looking better than ever thanks to the care of new owners Mike and Jill Lucia, and Mike’s right-hand man Evie who lives on the ranch and has taken care of the vines for longer than we’ve been getting fruit. We are fortunate to work with the fruit, and forever grateful that John Cole thought to plant Riesling in his valley almost 50 years ago.
Like the 2021, our 2022 rendition of Cole Ranch crackles with energy – a tightrope balance of bracing freshness and unctuous fruit. Orange confit, white peach, and tropical fruits aromas are accented by ginger, jasmine, and honey. The palate is decidedly flamboyant, with terrific fruit density just barely held in check by vivid acidity and subtle saline notes. Give this lots of air, or do as we do and drink over three or four days (simply re-cork and pop back in the fridge). 3.5 g/L RS.
The vines were planted at Cole Ranch in 1973, making it one of the oldest Riesling vineyards in the country. The vineyard sits in a narrow valley in the mountains between Boonville and Ukiah. The valley benefits from the cooling maritime influence of nearby Anderson Valley, and yet has a large diurnal and seasonal range of temperatures like inland Mendocino County. It snows in Cole Ranch once or twice a winter, and by October the nights are freezing cold. The vineyard is looking better than ever thanks to the care of new owners Mike and Jill Lucia, and Mike’s right-hand man Evie who lives on the ranch and has taken care of the vines for longer than we’ve been getting fruit. We are fortunate to work with the fruit, and forever grateful that John Cole thought to plant Riesling in his valley almost 50 years ago.
Like the 2021, our 2022 rendition of Cole Ranch crackles with energy – a tightrope balance of bracing freshness and unctuous fruit. Orange confit, white peach, and tropical fruits aromas are accented by ginger, jasmine, and honey. The palate is decidedly flamboyant, with terrific fruit density just barely held in check by vivid acidity and subtle saline notes. Give this lots of air, or do as we do and drink over three or four days (simply re-cork and pop back in the fridge). 3.5 g/L RS.