2024 THE COMPOSER
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
A classically styled, dry Riesling with beautifully delineated aromatics, linear palate, and searing acidity. Pale straw color with intense aromatics of melon, green apple, tangerine, lime peel, lemongrass, and white flowers. The aromatic complexity follows through on the palate with notes of mineral, wet stone, green apple, nectarine, lime peel, and melon. Stony minerality, wildflowers, and lemongrass echo on the long, vibrant finish. High flavor intensity and moderate concentration on a tight, linear frame with mouthwatering acidity. Significant palate texture has been imparted from monthly batonnage and a 19 month elevage on fine lees. Properly cellared this wine will gracefully evolve over the next 10+ years.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
100% Riesling, blend of Geisenheim 110 and Neustadt 90 clones from Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. < 2 g/L residual sugar, TA 7.3 g/L, pH 3.06, Ethanol 12.3%, 100% neutral oak fermentation.
CASES PRODUCED 54
VARIETAL 100% Riesling
APPELLATION Bacchus Vineyard and Dionysus Vineyard, White Bluffs
REVIEWS
95 POINTS | OWEN BARGREEN
“Coming from the Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards in the White Bluffs AVA, the 2024 ‘The Composer’ is probably the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted in more than a decade. Right away on the nose shows off honeydew melon and beeswax aromatics alongside shades of nectarine skin and hints of mango. The palate is weightless and beautifully textured, showing good weight and freshness alongside a pillowy texture. Made in the Trocken style, with the faintest kiss of sweetness, this is up there with the best Riesling wines you will taste in Washington. Drink 2026-2032”
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.