A Wine for Tonight: 2009 Willow Crest Riesling



By Kori ~ April 7th, 2011.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2009 Willow Crest Riesling from the Yakima Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$15
  • Must be widely available

The Minick Family first planted wine grapes on their Roza farm, north of Prosser, Washington, in 1982, and then David Minick founded Willow Crest Winery in 1995. Willow Crest uses fruit from their 240-acre Minick Family Estate Vineyard to produce their wines. In 2008, Willow Crest partnered with Seattle-based Precept Wine Brands, and Peter Devison was named head winemaker the following year. David Minick continues to oversee the estate vineyard and all wine production. Currently, Willow Crest produces about 8,000 cases per year.

“Built to go the distance, the 2009 Estate Riesling displays classic aromas of apricot and peach, nicely interwoven with candied orange and ripe golden apples. Flavors of white peach, pink grapefruit and fresh apples come to mind with a nice honeyed character rounding out the finish. A breakfast wine for sure.” –Willow Crest Winery

2009 Willow Crest Riesling (Minick Family Estate Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington): Pale straw yellow in color. Aromatic with pear and citrus notes on the nose. More pear and citrus, especially lime, and apple come through on the palate. Medium-sweet and medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long, slightly effervescent, finish. Very refreshing. Residual Sugar: 5.5%
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Full Pull Wines (Seattle, Washington), $8.99; Available elsewhere, $10 to $11


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Riesling, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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