The 2003 Eroica Riesling is the finest dry Riesling I’ve tasted from the United States. Made in conjunction with Germany’s Ernst Loosen, its expressive aromatic profile reveals rich scents of linden, spices, and melon balls. Broad, lush, seamless, and armed with beautiful depth, it reveals a lovely underlying minerality. This suave, supple, balanced wine is medium to full-bodied, packed with flavor, and sports a lengthy finish. There are 18,000 cases of this gem. Drink it over the next 9 years. Tel. (800) 267-6793 www.ste-michelle.com/

A collaborative effort with Ernst Loosen, of the Dr. Loosen estate. Bright, intensely flavored grapes are given special handling (night harvest, no crusher/destemmer, slow-fermenting yeasts) and deliver a complex, fleshy and layered Riesling. This bottling is a bit more forward and juicy than past vintages have been. ——P.G.(9/1/2004)—— 89