2009 Sperling Riesling Old Vines Okanagan Valley British Columbia

BY IAN D'AGATA | NOVEMBER 20, 2017

Sperling’s 2009 Riesling Old Vines is a lovely Okanagan Riesling that is aging gracefully, offering suave aromas and flavors of Granny Smith apple, quince, peach and a light diesel fuel note, all complicated by a deft touch of aromatic herbs and zingy lime. What I like most about the 2009 is its remarkable balance, and how young it still is: a Canadian Riesling that is showing delightful age-worthiness. I am a huge fan of Ann Sperling and her wines. In addition to her winemaking talent (she also makes the wines at Niagara’s Southbrook winery and a beautiful Argentine wine called Versado from old vine Malbec with her wine colleague husband), this magnificent 2009 Old Vines Riesling Okanagan Valley speaks of the truly old vines it is made from: BC’s oldest Riesling vines (along with those of Tantalus winery), planted back in 1978. The 2009 is a wine that offers not just striking taste sensations, but also a lesson in the importance of old vines (and deep roots) for all those who care to listen. 92/Drink now - 2021