2023 THE COMPOSER
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
A classically styled Riesling with intense aromatics, linear palate, and incisive acidity. Pale straw color with intense aromatics of green apple, lime peel, melon, lemongrass, and wildflowers. The aromatic complexity follows through on the palate with notes of mineral, wet stone, green apple, lime peel, and melon. Nuances of mineral, wildflowers, and lemongrass echo on the long, vibrant finish. High flavor intensity and moderate concentration on a tight, linear frame with vibrant acidity. Subtle lees texture imparted from a 19 month elevage on fine lees in neutral oak barrels. Properly cellared it should gracefully evolve over the next decade.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
100% Riesling, blend of 3 clones - Geisenheim 110, Geisenheim 198 and Neustadt 90 from Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. This wine underwent a 70% neutral oak fermentation and 30% stainless steel fermentation. The 2023 Composer has 1.8 g/L residual sugar, TA 7.6 g/L, pH 3.09, ethanol 12.2%.
CASES PRODUCED 96
VARIETAL Riesling
APPELLATION Bacchus Vineyard, White Bluffs
LABEL STORY
Eastern Washington terroir is conducive to making truly great Riesling. Some of the vineyard areas, like the White Bluffs AVA, are on par with some of the best Riesling regions in the world.
In making our Riesling, we looked to Austria and Germany for inspiration. Given these facts plus Billo’s love for playing classical piano, we thought it fitting to call the wine The Composer.
Bacchus Vineyard sits on a plateau with an average elevation of 750ft. The elevation extends the growing season and reduces the risk of frost. The wide diurnal temperature fluctuations help retain acidity. The very fine sandy loam soil allows for great water drainage with low soil water capacity. These factors help in growing beautiful Riesling grapes.
The Composer Riesling is a blend of clones Geisenheim 110 and Neustadt 90. The wine is always made in an off-dry style with just a hint of residual sugar.