The 2009 Riesling Late Harvest is a solid effort in a Spatlese-styled wine but ultimately comes off as straightforward and one-dimensional. Kiona Vineyards and Winery has been producing wine since 1980 (and growing grapes for considerably longer than that). It has long been a puzzle because its grapes are in great demand but Kiona itself has had difficulty taking advantage of their superior farming. Over the past 1-2 years it appears that significant improvements have been made.Tel. (509) 588-6746; www.kionawine.com

The 2008 White Riesling Late Harvest is light gold-colored with an alluring bouquet of peach, mango, and other tropical aromas. Crisp on the palate, this Auslese-styled Riesling contains 10% residual sugar, nicely framed by the wine’s acidity. It should pair well with spicy Asian cuisine.Tel. (509) 588-6716; www.kionawine.com

The 2007 White Riesling Late Harvest is light gold-colored with a hint of petrol, tropical aromas, and honeysuckle. Ripe and flavorful on the palate, it does a fine impersonation of a quality German Spatlese. Virtually everyone that I talked to with any knowledge of the subject states that Kiona Vineyards and Winery grows superb fruit at their Red Mountain estate. However, for whatever reason, they have not been able to translate that into the bottle with any consistency despite the roster of past customers including such notables as Leonetti, Quilceda Creek, and Woodward Canyon. While I was unable to recommend any of Kiona’s red wines, several of the whites were good values and one was exceptional.www.kionawine.com

Delicate, elegant and floral, with light flavors of white peaches and citrus blossom carrying over to a lingering, nicely knit, stylish and elegant finish. Just 10% alcohol. Best Buy. ——P.G.(11/15/2000)—— 88