Wine Reviews

by Kristen Rider

Rider Cellars 2019 Estate Pinot Blanc

Published: April 2, 2021

This Pinot Blanc is loaded with fruit in an off-dry style. Aromas allude to peach, pear, Honeydew melon and a splash of cream. On the palate, peach and apricot take center stage with a drizzle of honey and a dash of baking spice.

- Reviewed by Gary Hayes

AVA: Columbia Valley
SavorNW Award: Double Gold Medal 2021
Judges Score: 95 Points
Price: $20

Rider Cellars 2018 Estate Zweigelt

Published: July 9, 2021

Zweigelt is Austria's most planted grape, but more of a rare bird in the Northwest. It is the result of crossbreeding Blaufrankish and St. Laurent varietals to create a disease resistant, cool climate grape. This one from Central Washington's Rider Cellars is juicy with fruit suggesting slightly tart Boysenberry that mixes with notes of Mexican chocolate before a bright and spicy finish. Dark ruby in color, it presents aromas of sauced black fruit with notes of baking spice, black peppercorn and a nice punch of perfumed florals.

- Reviewed by Gary Hayes

AVA: Columbia Valley
SavorNW Award: Double Gold Medal 2021
Judges Score: 96 Points
Price: $24

Rider Cellars 2020 Estate Riesling

Published: May 24, 2021

Bright citrus flavors straddle a just off-dry balance alluding to Meyer lemon, pink grapefruit and peach pit with lingering lime and orange zest acidity through an extensive finish. On the nose, aromas of green apple mix with an intriguing minerality reminiscent of white pepper, chalk and bees wax.

- Reviewed by Gary Hayes

AVA: Columbia Valley
SavorNW Award: Best of Class 2021
Judges Score: 92 Points
Price: $18

Sip Northwest Best Of The Northwest 2019

Rider Cellars 2018 Estate Pinot Blanc,
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This crisp, off-dry white varietal is precision-built, delivering richly layered aromas and characters of peach, honeydew, poached pear, key lime, lemon citrus and white flowers, ending with graceful minerality.

-Washington Tasting Room Magazine

Rider Cellars 2017 Estate Zweigelt,
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Zweigelt is Austria’s most widely grown red varietal. This homegrown version comes from some of the oldest plantings of the varietal in the Yakima Valley. Bright and earthy, with light spice on the smooth palate, joined by loamy soil, pie cherry, fig and juicy blackberry.

-Washington Tasting Room Magazine