Well, Back to the Niagara Region. I made my first post on the infamous "Oh Niagara" thread nearly six years ago. A lot of time and shifting opinions since then. So, here we go again.

Anyway, this 2006 Cave Springs Beamsville Bench Estate Bottled Riesling is far and away the best Riesling I've ever had from North America. I was actually sort of shocked at how good it is. Very dry. A lovely floral/petrol tinged Riesling nose. Very nearly a creamy texture in the mouth, with very nice Riesling fruit flavor. Then, the mineral kicks in at the finish, which lasts for 35-40 seconds. I (seriously) counted 3 separate times.

The benchmark for this wine is clearly Alsace, not Germany. My perspective ranges from the likes of Hugel Gentil; up another notch to Trimbach, Hugel, and Zind Humbrecht Regional bottlings; then up again to Albert Mann (Schlossberg) and ZH Village and/ or Grand Cru's. Throw in a Weinbach or two.

I would dare say this Cave Springs vintage is at or above the better Alsace Regional bottlings ( which can range up to 90-92 points); even nearly (but not quite)approaching the next level (93+).

I won't put a final score on it, but in reference to the Alsace bottlings mentioned , it's a definite 90+.

The weather was ideal in 2006 for riesling and gewurtz.

I presume you mean the Cave Spring 2006 Estate Riesling which sells for $18, and not the cheaper dry or off-dry which sell for around $14. Also worth trying are the Henry of Pelham Reserve Riesling ($14.95) and the Thirty Bench single vineyard rieslings, which are more expensive but quite good as is the Tawse Carly's Block Riesling. Cave Spring also made a great Gewurtz that year.