Poet's Leap Riesling

Poet's Leap Riesling is a 100% Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington, produced by Long Shadows Vintners at 12.4% ABV in a standard 750ml bottle. Born from a German-American winemaking collaboration, this expression earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast for the 2021 vintage and a 96-point Double Gold at the Sommeliers Choice Awards in 2019.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Producer: Long Shadows Vintners

Production & Heritage

Long Shadows Vintners created Poet's Leap in collaboration with renowned German winemaker Armin Diel of Schlossgut Diel, inspired by the great Rieslings of Germany's Nahe region. Small lots of hand-harvested grapes are carefully sorted, whole cluster pressed, and fermented at a cool 60°F in stainless steel tanks to preserve fresh fruit aromas and varietal purity. Director of winemaking Gilles Nicault collaborated with Diel on vineyard selection, fermentation, and blending until 2016, when Nicault assumed full winemaking responsibility while maintaining the stylistic blueprint Diel established.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lychee fruit and honeysuckle open the glass, followed by layers of white peach, almond butter, and a delicate wisp of petrol. Gardenias and tangerine rind add aromatic complexity as the wine opens up.

Taste: The entry is silky and textured, with lemon curd and honeyed green apple giving way to mandarin orange and green honeydew melon at mid-palate. A velvety mouthfeel carries flavors of rosewater, Bosc pear, and donut peach, balanced by sharp, lemony acidity that keeps every sip precise.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering citrus brightness and a faint mineral quality reminiscent of wet stone. The acidity carries forward cleanly, leaving traces of peach and baking spice on the close.

How to Drink Poet's Leap

Serve well chilled at 45–50°F to let the aromatic layers unfold gradually; a tulip-shaped white wine glass concentrates the perfumed nose. Poet's Leap pairs beautifully in a classic Riesling Spritz with sparkling water and a lemon twist, emphasizing its citrus backbone. It works as the base for a Hugo Cocktail, where elderflower liqueur and mint complement its floral character. For a more adventurous serve, try it in a Wine Margarita — the natural lychee and peach notes harmonize with lime and light agave.

Best For

• Introducing a wine drinker to premium American Riesling
• Pairing with a Thai or Vietnamese dinner at home
• Gifting to someone who appreciates Old World-meets-New World winemaking
• Summer patio sipping when a full-bodied white feels too heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Poet's Leap taste like? Poet's Leap delivers lychee, honeyed green apple, lemon curd, and white peach, supported by bright acidity and a silky, medium-bodied mouthfeel. Subtle wet stone minerality and hints of petrol add depth beneath the fruit.

How does Poet's Leap compare to Eroica Riesling? Both are Columbia Valley Rieslings born from German-American winemaking partnerships — Poet's Leap through Long Shadows and Armin Diel, Eroica through Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Ernst Loosen. Poet's Leap tends toward a drier, more textured style with prominent floral and lychee notes, while Eroica typically shows slightly more residual sweetness and green apple focus.

Is Poet's Leap good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the combination of aromatic complexity, balanced acidity, and silky texture makes it a compelling standalone pour, especially when served chilled on a warm evening.

Where is Poet's Leap made? Poet's Leap is produced by Long Shadows Vintners in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State, a region known for warm days, cool nights, and volcanic soils that favor aromatic white varieties like Riesling.

What foods pair well with Poet's Leap? Its bright acidity and stone-fruit character pair naturally with pan-seared scallops, where the citrus cuts through the richness. Spicy Thai green curry benefits from the wine's slight sweetness and acidity. Fresh goat cheese on crostini mirrors its creamy texture. Roasted pork loin with apple chutney echoes its honeyed apple notes. Sushi and sashimi also work well, as the clean minerality complements raw fish.

What sizes does Poet's Leap come in? Poet's Leap Riesling is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Poet's Leap worth the price? Poet's Leap positions as a premium American Riesling, and its consistent critical acclaim — including 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a 96-point Double Gold from the Sommeliers Choice Awards — supports its standing among the top domestic Rieslings at its price tier.

Why Poet's Leap?

What distinguishes Poet's Leap from most American Rieslings is its documented German winemaking DNA. The collaboration with Armin Diel instilled a stylistic precision — whole cluster pressing, cool stainless steel fermentation — that prioritizes aromatic intensity and structural clarity over residual sweetness. The wine has sustained critical recognition across multiple vintages, scoring 92–94 points from Wine Enthusiast over consecutive releases. For anyone seeking a Columbia Valley Riesling that bridges Old World discipline with New World fruit generosity, Poet's Leap remains one of the most consistent and compelling options in its category.