Dry Riesling Varietal/Style: Riesling Origin: Cole Ranch Vintage: 1998 Winemaker: Doug Nalle Rating: 11/20 Retail Price: $18.00

Tasting Notes: We like to call this Riesling in the Chardonnay style. Although it is a great introduction to Riesling for the American Chardonnay lover, we think the oak influence overshadows Nalle's fine fruit. Drier than most American Rieslings, (only .4 percent residual sugar), it is a wine agreeable to most palates and styles of cuisine. (Date tasted: 6/10/00)

1998 Nalle Zinfandel Varietal/Style: Zinfandel Origin: Dry Creek Valley Vintage: 1998 Winemaker: Doug Nalle Rating: 14/20 Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: The quintessential Dry Creek Zinfandel, this wine offers a ripe, cherry nose, fruit-forward flavors and soft tannins. Its only flaw may be that it's almost too approachable. A great counterpoint for mushroom or game dishes, Nalle's Zin is a wine that can hold its own with almost any meal as well as shine alone. (Date tasted: 6/10/00)


Profile: Winemaker Doug Nalle was ahead of his time, starting a boutique winery to showcase Northern Californian Zinfandel in 1984. You could call him a founding father for one of America's hottest wine trends - Dry Creek Zin. Today, his production has grown to include another lesser-known style, dry Riesling. Perhaps we should all consider investing in Riesling vineyards!

Address:
P.O. Box 454
City: Healdsburg, CA
Phone: 707-433-1040
Web site: n/a
E-mail: dbnalle@sonic.net