Red Newt Cellars 2008 "Circle" Riesling

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

You an get a lot of great Finger Lakes riesling in the $15 range. No one can argue that. But some still complain that $15 is too much and that there are wines that are just as good or even better from Washington state or Germany -- for less money.

I'd argue the QPR of many of those $10-12 rieslings, but instead of getting caught up in a quality arguement, Dave Whiting, co-owner and winemaker at Red Newt Cellars is jumping into the same pool, taking those $12 rieslings on directly with Red Newt Cellars 2008 'Circle' Riesling ($12). (Read Evan's post about the project)

Not only is Red Newt making a $12 riesling, they are doing it well. Very well.

Scents reminiscent of sweet pineapple, pear, honey, orange peel and dried fruit mingle on a fruit salad of a nose. 

Definitely in a sweeter style (3.2% RS) the broad, mouth-filling palate shows good balance because of zesty acidity. The flavors range from pineapple to pear to honey to peach -- with just a bit of candied citrus peel. The finish isn't long, but ends cleanly given the RS.

At $12, this is a great, crowd-pleasing value of a wine that makes it easy to drink local.

Producer: Red Newt Cellars
ABV: 11.7%
RS: 3.2%
TA: 8.3 g/l
pH: 3.10
Case Production: 2,200
Price: $12*
Rating: 86

(Ratings Guide)

Comments

[David Whiting]

Thanks for the review. The 2008 is the current vintage in the market, but will be replaced very soon with the 2009. The 2009 vintage was another great one for Riesling in the FLX, and the 2009 Circle Riesling shows great fruit and crisp structure like its 2008 cousin!