Ruth Lewandowski Wines 2022 'Elimelech Zero' Riesling, Cole Ranch, Mendocino County

Item Number: 19520

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Mendocino
Appellation/AVA: Mendocino County
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vineyard Designation: Cole Ranch
Vintage: 2022
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13.2
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Silty clay loam
Elevation: 1,500 feet

Vine Age: ~50 years; dry farmed
Botrytis: 5-10%
Pressing: Whole cluster, bladder pressed
Temperature Control: No
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
Aging: 10 months on lees, one racking prior to bottling

Vineyard Notes: Cole Ranch truly is hallowed ground. This altogether unique canyon valley tucked away high in the hills between Ukiah and Boonville was planted in the early 1970's by a gentleman named John Cole and is one of the only AVA's owned entirely by one individual. Its also officially the smallest AVA in the nation clocking in at just 189 acres (55 planted). Of those planted, 18 acres are planted to Riesling...mostly on limestone based colluvial soils and dry farmed...and eventually form Elimelech. At about 1,500 feet up, the temperatures are cooler, the rain falls in higher quantity, and the harvest is significantly delayed, often the last fruit to arrive at the winery. Mike Lucia is the grower.

Tasting Notes: Not quite the expected version of Riesling, Elimelech exists to show you another way. Riesling can be flashy, fleshy and flamboyant...intoxicatingly scented, richly textured and yes, dry.