Steezy Slate-Side Riesling—Hillick & Hobbs 2021

Tasting Notes

This ain’t your grandma’s floral riesling—this is dry, laser‑focused, and built on steely minerality. Think pale gold in the glass, with aromas of gardenia, pear, citrus, and crushed rock, all mirrored on a palate that delivers juicy peach pit, ginger, lime zest, and a wet-stone finish that slaps. Feel that acidity? It’s crisp, clean, and ready to dance on your tongue—no sweet serenades here.

Meet the Winemaker

Paul Hobbs (and his brother David) named this baby after their parents—Joan Hillick and Edward Hobbs—and planted their own vines in 2013 on the southeastern banks of Seneca Lake. These 21-acre slopes (think steep, slate-heavy, and glacial) get mad airflow and early ripening, crafting Rieslings that invite attention and leave snoozers swiping left. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Riesling

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, New York, USA

• Aging: 100% stainless steel (pressed whole cluster, bottled unfined)

• ABV: 12% 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: Chill at 45–50 °F (7–10 °C) for max sass

Critic Reviews

• Tasting Panel – 95 pts: “Aromas of honey and fresh linen intersect with tart lemon, frozen peach, and crisp Asian pear… salinity leaves an impact through the finish.” 

• James Suckling – 94 pts: “Cool and reserved nose with fresh mint, parsley and basil… sleek and precise… complex wet‑stone minerality at the self‑confidently dry and crisp finish.” 

• Wine Enthusiast – 93 pts, Christina Pickard: “Restrained and elegant, notes of citrus, peach pit and ginger… finessed, long and harmonious… demands thoughtful tasting rather than porch pounding.” 

• Decanter – 93 pts: “Petrichor, white flowers, a touch of petrol… gorgeously textured… honeyed ginger, orange oil… ageable yet delicious now.” 

• Vinous – 92 pts: “Cool‑toned, settled and fresh… rich layers of peach, chamomile, ginger, lemon oil and salty yeast… long and even‑tempered.” 

• Wine Spectator – 91 pts: “Pippin apple, lime and slate notes… yellow apple and chamomile on the finish, with the slate edge lingering.” 

Food Pairings

• Spicy Thai curry – acid kicks through that heat

• Lump crab or seafood tower – minerality meets luxe

• Soft cheeses & charcuterie – duck breast, manchego, fennel salami

• Fresh oysters or sushi – the slate backbone will make your date swoon

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you're not chasing candy-sweet Rieslings—you're hunting that electrifying, mineral-powered, slay-the-palate vibe. This bottle is the cooler, sharper rival you bring to wine-fluff parties. Deeply layered, seriously sexy, and smarter than your average white wine.

Snag this Hillick & Hobbs 2021 Riesling—free shipping over $99 or 10% off for club members. Sip the sass.