2023 THE COMPOSER
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
A classically styled Riesling with generous aromatics, linear palate, and searing acidity. Pale straw color with intense aromatics of green apple, pink grapefruit, lime peel, melon, lemongrass, and chrysanthemum. 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 mouthwatering acidity. Subtle lees texture imparted from a 19 month elevage on fine lees in neutral oak barrels adds significant palate interest. Properly cellared it should gracefully evolve over the next 10+ years.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
100% Riesling, blend of 2 clones - Geisenheim 110 and Neustadt 90 from Bacchus Vineyard. This wine underwent a 60% neutral oak fermentation and 40% stainless steel fermentation. The 2023 Composer has 1.8 g/L residual sugar, TA 7.4 g/L, pH 3.04, ethanol 12.2%.
CASES PRODUCED 85
VARIETAL Riesling
APPELLATION Bacchus Vineyard and Dionysus Vineyard, White Bluffs
REVIEWS
93 POINTS | OWEN BARGREEN
“Coming from three separate clones of Riesling, this is made in a completely dry, Trocken style. This comes off fat and mineral-laden with serious texture. Ripe peach and apricot combine with shades of wet rock and freshly cut limes on the palate. Drink 2026-2034.”
93 POINTS | JEREMY YOUNG, INTERNATIONAL WINE REPORT
“The 2023 Rasa Vineyards The Composer Riesling from White Bluffs shows a pale straw hue with an aromatic lift. Scents of pear skin, lime zest, and honeysuckle mingle with dried herbs and a touch of wet slate. The palate is tightly focused, carrying flavors of green apple, kiwi, and citrus oil wrapped around a nervy spine of acidity. Hints of crushed stone and delicate florals extend through the finish, giving the wine both drive and elegance. Aged for 19 months on fine lees in neutral oak, it gains a subtle textural nuance without diminishing its brisk, linear shape. 96 cases produced.”
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.