Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2009 Rkatsiteli

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

I was first introduced to the Rkatsiteli grape when I tried the 2006 vintage bottling from Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars. I was quickly hooked by the aromatic white that can be described as riesling-meets-gewruztraminer-meets-sauvignon blanc in its aromas and flavors with a beam of beautiful natural acidity.

Since then, Dr. Frank's Rkatsiteli has been a bit up and down for me -- always drinkable, but sometimes without the verve and length of that first taste.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2009 Rkatsiteli ($15) is lemony on the nose with notes of citrus blossom, sweet herb, lemon verbena and golden raspberry.

Soft and juicy, the just off-dry (.45% RS) palate is driven by lemon-lime flavors with a sweet grassy note and hints of sweet pea. The finish is long with juicy, citrusy acidity.

Though perhaps a bit one-dimensional, the balance is good.

Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 12%
Residual Sugar: 4.5%
TA: 9.3 g/L
pH: 3.21
Price: $15*

 

(3 out of 5, Very good/Recommended)

(*Ratings Guide)

Comments

[Scott]

I would be curious to see you do a side-by-side between the Dr. Frank Rkatsiteli and the McGregor Rkatsiteli-Sereksiya. For my money, the McGregor is better, but maybe it's in the blending.

[Tom]

You have it written in the story it is off dry at .45%RS, but below it says 4.5%RS with 9.3g/l TA. I have not had this recent years. With acid that high and RS that low I would expect a sharp crispness on the palate. I will be curious to try this to taste the balance. The slight sugar must be just enough to keep some of the fruit alive. Thanks for posting this. I love Dr. Franks Gewurz.