Intrigue Wines 2011 Focus Riesling - 89-90pts

Intrigue Wines 2011 Focus Riesling (Lake Country) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 12.8%
Production: 69 cases
Date Tasted: August 9th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The Focus Riesling is clearly Intrigue's baby. Their standard, straight-forward, $17 Riesling is well-made and true to the vintage and varietal. The Focus, their top-tier Riesling, gets extra attention during harvest and fermentation, dialing the varietal expression "up to 11" - appropriate for the vintage, I suppose.

For only $3 dollars more, you get a much richer Riesling, both on the nose and palate, which results in a longer and more compelling drinking experience. The nose is subtle, but has depth with layers of pear, roasted lemon and lees. This is followed by an off-dry palate with measured acidity and a long, long, mouth-watering finish. Despite many of the specs (acid, alcohol and residual sugar) being virtually identical, the Focus Riesling is an altogether different and superior wine.

There's aging potential with this Riesling. If you can wait another 1-2 years you should be rewarded with some tropical notes added to the mix. Drink 2013-2017+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

No comments:

Post a Comment