A lovely NZ Riesling

[Florida Jim]

With a salad of fresh tomato, mozzarella and 2002 Frog’s End EVOO “Frantoio,” and roasted chicken with couscous:

2002 Brightwater, Riesling (Nelson, NZ):

The initial aromatic impression is similar to a Nigl Riesling and that parallel persists through to the palate; lightly floral but packed with scents of hot stones, peach, pear, unripe pineapple and almond; integrated but complex/

Finely chiseled flavors follow the nose with excellent concentration and intensity; as the wine opens it becomes more viscous and textural; although a touch tart upon opening it, eases into trim balance after about an hour; well structured/

Very long and clean finish that is nuanced without any one element dominating.

A young, vibrant, layered Riesling with excellent potential for aging yet delicious now with decanter time. The fruit concentration here is remarkable.

Superb with the food; and a perfect match with the salad.

$16.99, full retail.

http://www.garagistewine.com/briggs.html

Best, Jim