2000 JOHANNISBERG RIESLING Botrytis
ESTATE GROWN -- NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: Gorgeous, "middle Mosel-style" nose of vibrant Riesling fruit, displaying the textbook Long Vineyards aromatics and botrytis tones. Dramatic scents of orchids and other tropical flowers add their beauty to a cascade of peach, pear and grapefruit. Long, intense, densely fruited, perfectly focused and delicately refreshing, it fills the mouth with layers of flavors. A triumph of graceful, wonderfully expressed fruit, it will grow ever more lovely over the next 5 years.

Grapes: The Long Riesling vineyard, planted 30 years ago, is one of the last remaining in Napa Valley. It is located in a two and a half-acre 'bowl' on the hillside, where moist air can hang. In the fall with fog or rain, botrytis ("noble rot") mold can start. The effect is to dehydrate the grapes - concentrating flavor, aroma, acidity and sugar and imparting a honeysuckle flavor and aroma to the wine. Long Riesling is designated "Botrytis" when the level of the concentrating effect is clearly apparent.

Vinification: We picked these grapes at 24º Brix on October 6, 2000, a cool morning to preserve the freshness of the fruit; avoiding too much pressing to preclude tannins. Cool fermentation (around 45-50°F) preserved the fresh pear, peachy and citrus aroma and flavors. We stopped fermentation at 8% alcohol, because too much alcohol intrudes on the delicate fruit flavors and can mask aroma.

Notes from Bob Long: This "Botrytis" vintage, like the great German botrytis wines, will develop a fuller, richer flavor and aroma if aged for five to 10 years. Be sure to serve well-chilled. Our Riesling is bottled in a beautifully-made, elegantly-shaped Italian 500 milliliter bottle, a perfect amount for dessert.

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