At the start of the year, I tasted the wonderful Eroica, a Riesling that is a collaboration between Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and Germany's Dr. Ernst Loosen. Now that I have found out that there is an ultra version, I simply must have it. The Eroica Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling is described as being like liquid gold, with scents of apricot, pear and spices and a rich flavor of honey, apricot, baked apple and tropical fruit. At around $200 for a half bottle it demands a very special occasion.

Some of my favorite wines are a collaboration between Old World technique and New World grapes. Case in point, the Eroica Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle. The wine is a collaboration between Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and Germany's Dr. Ernst Loosen. The wine is named after a Beethoven symphony. The grapes come from the Columbia Valley area of Washington. The 2005 includes grapes from two new slopeside vineyards.

The resulting wine is straw-colored with a citrus and white flower nose, crisp and richly aromatic. The wine is deeply satisying, it has a great mix of pear and mineral flavors and a lipsmacking finish. It's drier than some Rieslings but has just a smidge of honeyed sweetness that makes Riesling so appealing. The fact that it is a bit sharp makes it very food friendly (and for more thanThai food which is the recommendation of the winemaker). It earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and sells for around $20.