Riesling is a dynamic wine, and runs the gamut from bone dry and racy to cloyingly sweet.  While there are many good producers of rieslings on the market, Chateau Ste Michelle has a reputation for producing dependable quality wines at a great price.  While their Gewurztraminer is great, have they also managed to make an equally great wine with Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Sweet Riesling?

Sight:  A moderate gold, with a light watery edge

Smell:  The top note is a loaded with honey and golden apples.  Sweet lemon curd and elements of stone fruit pop up to the surface.

Sip:  The body is bright, and the sweetness is restrained.  Floral notes and fruity hard candy like flavors comes through from behind a vale of fresh pears, apples, and honey.

Savor:  The ending is slightly on the bitter side, but still maintains a nice touch of sweetness.  Elements of honey and floral round it out.

Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Sweet Riesling is delightfully floral and honeyed without being cloying sweet.  The balance that it strikes between sweet and dry is nearly perfect, and the floral notes almost mimic candy.  The flavors are amazing, but touches of bitterness do creep in from time to time.  That said, for under $10, Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Riesling is incredible value and flavor for the price.

Verdict:  Honey, Floral, Fruity Hard Candy, Apples
Rating: 87
Price: $9
Columbia Valley, Washington