Chateau Ste Michelle & Dr Loosen 2009 "Eroica" Riesling

The 2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen "Eroica" Riesling is an off-dry, Kabinett-style white wine crafted from 100% Riesling grapes grown in Washington State's Columbia Valley. This vintage exemplifies a masterful Old World meets New World collaboration, marrying the bright, forward fruit of Washington with the elegant, slate-driven winemaking techniques of the Mosel's Ernst Loosen. On the nose, the 2009 Eroica delivers intense, vibrant aromas of green apple, grapefruit, lemon-lime, and white peach, layered over distinct floral notes and a striking, flinty minerality reminiscent of wet pavement or slate. The palate is light-to-medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, contrasting a subtle, honeyed tropical sweetness (around 1.6% residual sugar) against a spine of lip-puckering, mouthwatering acidity. It finishes with extended notes of citrus rind, mango, and a gently chalky texture that has allowed the wine to evolve beautifully over a decade of cellaring.

Thanks to its brilliant acid structure and off-dry profile, this versatile Riesling pairs phenomenally well with food. It is an exceptional match for spicy Asian cuisine, such as Thai green curry or Vietnamese pho, where its residual sugar tames the heat while the high acidity cuts through rich coconut milks. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with crab cakes, fresh scallops, and grilled white fish drizzled with lemon, as well as roasted duck, goose, or game birds. For simpler pairings, consider serving it alongside artisan cheeses like aged Gouda, a classic charcuterie board, or lightly spiced pork chops.