If you, like us, tend to prefer dry white wines over sweet ones, the Chateau Ste Michelle Dr. Loosen Eroica 2005 may surprise you.  This off-dry, German style Riesling makes a seriously positive impression thanks to its exceptional balance of a touch of sugar, a slightly bigger body than usual for the varietal, and bright, but consistent, acidity throughout.  It was particularly the latter quality of the wine that effectively neutralized any issue we might have had with sweetness.

As for the aromas and flavors, we picked up green apple that was slightly muted by peach, minerals, and a twist of lime.  In fact, English hard cider came to mind. 

Overall, we found this wine to be of a very high quality, a factor that, by itself, made it difficult not to enjoy.  And the best part: you can buy a bottle at Costco, where there were many, many others (albeit, the 2006’s) in stock.