2002 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, grapefruit. Long, intense, densely fruited, perfectly focused and delicately refreshing, it fills the mouth with layers of flavors. The 2000 is more typical "Auslese" style of Long Vineyards - more of an aperitif than a dessert wine.

Grapes: The Long Riesling vineyard, planted 35 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 27.5º brix on November 8, 2002, a cool morning to preserve the freshness of the fruit; avoiding too much pressing to preclude tannins. Cool fermentation (45-50°F) preserved the fresh pear, peachy and citrus aroma/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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