wine review: Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2022: A Winemaker’s Rebellion with a Touch of Class

Ottawa, ON

September 2024

Matt’s review: Black Sheep Riesling—a wine that’s as delightfully rebellious as it is refined. Featherstone has once again proven that breaking from the herd can lead to extraordinary results. This vintage continues the label’s tradition of delivering a high-scoring, value-priced Riesling that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Imagine the Niagara region’s terroir in a bottle, and you’ll find it in this glass. Featherstone’s Black Sheep Riesling is the kind of wine that makes you rethink your stance on off-dry whites. It flaunts an elegant, mineral-driven profile that has the makings for a masterclass in complexity. With each sip, you’re greeted by a medley of ripe orchard fruits, a hint of beeswax, and zesty lime that dances on your palate like a citrus ballet. The flinty, wet stone minerality provides a textured backbone, elevating this medium-bodied beauty to new heights of finesse. Its long, clean finish persists with refreshing orchard fruit and wet stone minerality. Whether you’re indulging in an autumn harvest feast, tackling a spicy Asian culinary adventure, or daring to pair it with smoky BBQ, the Black Sheep Riesling stands ready to play the role of a sophisticated sidekick. Pour yourself a glass of this discreetly off-dry wonder and which is a daring yet elegant escape from the ordinary. Cheers to the black sheep that’s making all the right kinds of noise. Tasted September 2024. 91 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available at LCBO and winery-direct – $19.95