Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2019

The 2019 Rkatsiteli, from Keuka Lake vines planted variously in 1983, 1983 and 2003, comes in with seven grams of residual sugar, 9.2 of total acidity and 12% alcohol. The acidity pretty much obliterates the sugar here, leaving a crisp and somewhat nervy wine that still has great fruit, even as it seems a little lean on opening. The tension on the finish nicely lifts the fruit and slams it home. Wholly unevolved, this will improve in the bottle over the next year or two, becoming more harmonious.

It will also be refreshing in the spring and summer of 2021, as warmer weather rolls into much of the country. This has been an extremely consistent and overachieving value for quite a while, and this is another fine release. With its structure and that screw cap, it should age well, maybe even better than indicated. If it can also develop well, it might turn into an even bigger star.