Latah Creek Riesling 2023

Over the past forty years of crafting Riesling, Mike has had the privilege of working with grapes from nearly every growing region in Washington State, including Pasco/Tri-Cities, Sunnyside, Yakima Valley, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills, and, notably, the Ancient Lakes AVA. Among these regions, the father-daughter winemaking duo, Mike and Natalie, believe that the Ancient Lakes AVA consistently yields the finest Riesling. Consequently, they decided to source all their varietal-labeled Riesling bottlings from this area, starting with their first harvest in the early 1990s.

Mike and Natalie take great pride in allowing their wines, particularly their Rieslings, to reflect the unique characteristics of each vintage. They focus on the flavors and acidity of the juice during fermentation to establish the residual sugar level for that year. The grapes used for the 2023 Riesling exhibited exceptional high acidity, so they opted to retain a bit more residual sugar than typical to enhance the mouthfeel. This decision was validated by critics, as the wine received a Double Gold award and was rated 95 points at Sunset Magazine’s International Wine Competition.

Natalie’s Tasting Notes

Crafting Rieslings brings back memories of my first vintage in 2004, when I first experimented with Riesling and various yeast strains. It was my dad’s way of introducing me to the science behind winemaking.  And boy, did it work! This experience ignited a passion for winemaking, and especially the importance of letting the grapes express themselves. My aim is to never overshadow the gifts that Mother Nature provides each year. This 2023 vintage opens with enticing aromas of lime peel, accompanied by subtle notes of ground clove and white flowers. On the palate, it features flavors of peach and clove, culminating in a delightful spicy minerality.

Food Pairing

Enjoy this wine with salads, light desserts, pork, and chicken, such as Ellena’s Pork Chops with Apples and Shallots recipe available online or in her latest cookbook.

Winemakers

Mike Conway & Natalie Conway-Barnes