Exotic layers of Asian pear, Golden Delicious apples, and jasmine transition into a seductive mouthful of flint, lemon curd, spiced pears, and lanolin. Fantastic acidity backs up a crunchy mid-palate full of personality and precision, with a finish that goes on for days.
Wine Pairing: Sweet and sour pork, Peking duck, pad thai, and our personal favorite, French fries
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Grüner Veltliner, Edna Valley
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Ripe peach, white nectarine, lime blossoms, orchard fruit, and subtle notes of grain lead into a lean yet unctuous mid-palate full of minerals and sandy loam. Lingering notes of wasabi and lime finish clean, making for a complex wine that is provocative without the pretension.
Wine Pairing: Weighty enough to push back against strong flavors like curries, vindaloo, and pho, yet delicate enough for sushi or even as an aperitif.
Specs
Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
Appellation: Edna Valley
Vineyard: Marfarm Vineyard
Fermentation Vessel: Tank-fermented, tank-aged
Soils: Sandy loam
Alcohol: 13%
TA: 6.9 g/L
pH: 3.24
RS: 0.3 g/L
Malo: No
Harvest Date: 9/18/2019
Bottle Date: 5/11/2020
Production: 730 cases
What’s Included
4-bottles:
2x 2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Chenin Blanc, El Dorado
Our winery’s ethos is driven by our founder Dong Van Nguyen’s inspiring legacy and the traditions of altruism and community in Vietnamese culture. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to being real and creating a space where all feel welcome.
RD Winery was established in 2012 by Dong Van Nguyen, making wine solely for export to Vietnam until U.S. distribution began in 2020 with the opening of RD Winery’s tasting room in Napa, CA. RD Winery is the first Vietnamese-owned winery in Napa and woman-run by CEO Mailynh Phan with the mission to cultivate community through wine and make the wine industry more inclusive. It does this through its varied tasting experiences and Napa’s first all-Asian-cuisine pairing menu, diverse portfolio of wines available at all price points, and ongoing cultural programming and onsite art gallery.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Fifth Moon Wines Mixed Whites from RD Winery
4 bottles for $52.99 $13.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $114.99 $9.58/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@InFrom@klezman@rjquillin ultimately it’s all opinions and preferences. To me a four year old stainless white is old enough to avoid especially from an unknown producer
Thanks for the labrat opportunity! I have guests in town to enjoy this with me & they’ve put together this report for you!
This wine was a complex and beautiful mesh of flavours, all dancing together exquisitely. It has a gorgeous colour and while it is delicious in its own right, it would pair nicely with a light Asian meal. This light-bodied wine was crisp, refreshing, and delectable; it was incredibly refreshing on the palate, and the elements of honeysuckle added a wonderful sweetness. The crispy, summery aromas contain notes of pear, with a subtle tang that contrasted wonderfully. There was a delightfully delicate aftertaste of nectar, offering an overall experience that I cannot help but recommend…
@CruelMelody@Leatherchair not at all sweet, I actually would have said tart (but deferred the writing to my guests ;)) - though think the pear/ fruity nose gave them impression of sweetness.
While my wine racks dislike the burgundian bottles the chenin blanc appears to be in, you could not have put together a better combination of white wines for this household. Plus, I finally get to use my meh wine coupon. Worth a shot… age be damned.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Fifth Moon Wines Mixed Whites from RD Winery - $44 = 27.67%
Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a 6/6 split? I’ve been to RD winery and they generally make good stuff. I just don’t have room or need for a full case. Any takers?
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Grüner Veltliner, Edna Valley
I was lucky to also be selected as a labrat for this wine and was excited to see a Grüner Veltliner when I opened the box. This is a favorite varietal for me and usually a great pairing for some of my favorite summer foods!
This particular bottle is a pleasing light straw color and my first impressions were aromas of peach and citrus zest. I found the taste to be more muted and less acidic than I was expecting from the variety, I’m not sure if that is because of the difference in California’s climate and terroir compared to the Austrian Grüner Veltliners I am more familiar with. Regardless, this is a refreshing wine with good minerality that pairs well with spicy foods. We enjoyed it more with our dinner of thai curry than on it’s own. At this price point I consider it a solid choice to have with food. I especially think it would be great paired with some Vietnamese grilled wings or pork and the accompanying herbs and salad. Thank you for the opportunity to try it and share my opinions!
Very rare wines on this site, heck I am in Chicagoland and the decent wine shops have maybe 1 or 2 of either these varietals. Kudos WD, thanks rats and specs they are dry, in for a case.
These sound excellent for the summer, especially the Grüner Veltliner, one of our faves. not worried about the age as they’ll be gone by Labor Day. In for a case.
/giphy aquatic-smiling-gravy
Someone say these wines are smokey? Noooo no no…I said I was in the Smoky Mountains, but they are now in the rearview mirror
Anyway, that stupidity aside, Wine Enthusiast on these wines:
Chenin Blanc…88 points. This full-bodied and richly textured wine offers subdued apple and baking-spice flavors that slowly build on the palate. Quite dry and well balanced, the wine feels broad and emphasizes nutty, toasty nuances in the flavors and finish. — Jim Gordon 5/1/21
That 92 point Gruner review from WE mentioned above…Crisp aromas of Pink Lady apple slices and Mandarin peel show a touch of green herbs while remaining clean on the nose. The palate is zesty and fresh, showing firm kiwi and crisp lime flavors. — Matt Kettmann 5/1/21
Spectator, the Chenin…90 points. Showcases juicy and fresh flavors of plump yellow raisin, peach and yellow apple, with a hint of minerality and touch of dried lemon blossom lingering on the finish. Drink now. 200 cases made. MaryAnn Worobiec 11/30/21
Spectator, the Gruner…86 points. Apple, pear and citrus zest flavors are restrained on a crisp, mouthwatering frame in this version, with a lingering detail of minerality. Drink now. 730 cases made. MaryAnn Worobiec 12/15/21
And let’s not forget Ken, Ken’s Wine Guide had a sip or two of the Gruner…Very Good+ (91). This white gold colored Gruner Veltliner from the Edna Valley opens with a very fragrant lemon-lime and nectarine bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with plus acidity. It is fruit forward, juicy, lush and nicely coats your mouth. The flavor profile is a stony mineral infused lemon-lime blend with notes of Squirt (grapefruit) soda, kiwi and white pepper. The flavors and acidity linger nicely on the finish. This Gruner would pair well with oysters. Enjoy - Ken August 17, 2021
A Feb '21 blurb from the San Francisco Chronicle about the winery and wines click here
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Chenin Blanc, El Dorado
Tasting Notes
Specs
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Grüner Veltliner, Edna Valley
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$312.00/Case for 6x 2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Chenin Blanc, El Dorado + 6x 2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Grüner Veltliner, Edna Valley at RD Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jul 22 - Wednesday, Jul 24
Fifth Moon Wines Mixed Whites from RD Winery
4 bottles for $52.99 $13.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $114.99 $9.58/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Chenin Blanc
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Grüner Veltliner
Dang! Got excited about the varietals and specs until I noticed the vintage Seems to be a trend lately
@losthighwayz I feel like the Chenin could be worth a shot. No opinion on the Gruner.
@InFrom @losthighwayz
I’m kinda liking these offers that aren’t fresh from the press.
@InFrom @losthighwayz @rjquillin Yeah, me too. A 5 year old white is hardly old in most cases.
@InFrom @klezman @rjquillin ultimately it’s all opinions and preferences. To me a four year old stainless white is old enough to avoid especially from an unknown producer
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Chenin Blanc, El Dorado
Thanks for the labrat opportunity! I have guests in town to enjoy this with me & they’ve put together this report for you!
This wine was a complex and beautiful mesh of flavours, all dancing together exquisitely. It has a gorgeous colour and while it is delicious in its own right, it would pair nicely with a light Asian meal. This light-bodied wine was crisp, refreshing, and delectable; it was incredibly refreshing on the palate, and the elements of honeysuckle added a wonderful sweetness. The crispy, summery aromas contain notes of pear, with a subtle tang that contrasted wonderfully. There was a delightfully delicate aftertaste of nectar, offering an overall experience that I cannot help but recommend…
@sallliu which wine?
@TimW Ah, that was for the Chenin Blanc!
@sallliu Thanks for the report. You mentioned “sweetness.” Would you consider this a sweet wine? Thank you again.
@Leatherchair @sallliu just in case they don’t respond, the specs up there describe a very dry wine
@CruelMelody @Leatherchair not at all sweet, I actually would have said tart (but deferred the writing to my guests ;)) - though think the pear/ fruity nose gave them impression of sweetness.
@CruelMelody @sallliu thank you both of the detail/clarification
@CruelMelody @Leatherchair @sallliu kinda but not exactly . . .
While my wine racks dislike the burgundian bottles the chenin blanc appears to be in, you could not have put together a better combination of white wines for this household. Plus, I finally get to use my meh wine coupon. Worth a shot… age be damned.
/giphy nippy-filthy-plate
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Fifth Moon Wines Mixed Whites from RD Winery - $44 = 27.67%
Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a 6/6 split? I’ve been to RD winery and they generally make good stuff. I just don’t have room or need for a full case. Any takers?
2019 RD Winery Fifth Moon Grüner Veltliner, Edna Valley
I was lucky to also be selected as a labrat for this wine and was excited to see a Grüner Veltliner when I opened the box. This is a favorite varietal for me and usually a great pairing for some of my favorite summer foods!
This particular bottle is a pleasing light straw color and my first impressions were aromas of peach and citrus zest. I found the taste to be more muted and less acidic than I was expecting from the variety, I’m not sure if that is because of the difference in California’s climate and terroir compared to the Austrian Grüner Veltliners I am more familiar with. Regardless, this is a refreshing wine with good minerality that pairs well with spicy foods. We enjoyed it more with our dinner of thai curry than on it’s own. At this price point I consider it a solid choice to have with food. I especially think it would be great paired with some Vietnamese grilled wings or pork and the accompanying herbs and salad. Thank you for the opportunity to try it and share my opinions!
Very rare wines on this site, heck I am in Chicagoland and the decent wine shops have maybe 1 or 2 of either these varietals. Kudos WD, thanks rats and specs they are dry, in for a case.
These sound excellent for the summer, especially the Grüner Veltliner, one of our faves. not worried about the age as they’ll be gone by Labor Day. In for a case.
/giphy aquatic-smiling-gravy
Someone say these wines are smokey? Noooo no no…I said I was in the Smoky Mountains, but they are now in the rearview mirror
Anyway, that stupidity aside, Wine Enthusiast on these wines:
Chenin Blanc…88 points. This full-bodied and richly textured wine offers subdued apple and baking-spice flavors that slowly build on the palate. Quite dry and well balanced, the wine feels broad and emphasizes nutty, toasty nuances in the flavors and finish. — Jim Gordon 5/1/21
That 92 point Gruner review from WE mentioned above…Crisp aromas of Pink Lady apple slices and Mandarin peel show a touch of green herbs while remaining clean on the nose. The palate is zesty and fresh, showing firm kiwi and crisp lime flavors. — Matt Kettmann 5/1/21
Spectator, the Chenin…90 points. Showcases juicy and fresh flavors of plump yellow raisin, peach and yellow apple, with a hint of minerality and touch of dried lemon blossom lingering on the finish. Drink now. 200 cases made. MaryAnn Worobiec 11/30/21
Spectator, the Gruner…86 points. Apple, pear and citrus zest flavors are restrained on a crisp, mouthwatering frame in this version, with a lingering detail of minerality. Drink now. 730 cases made. MaryAnn Worobiec 12/15/21
And let’s not forget Ken, Ken’s Wine Guide had a sip or two of the Gruner…Very Good+ (91). This white gold colored Gruner Veltliner from the Edna Valley opens with a very fragrant lemon-lime and nectarine bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with plus acidity. It is fruit forward, juicy, lush and nicely coats your mouth. The flavor profile is a stony mineral infused lemon-lime blend with notes of Squirt (grapefruit) soda, kiwi and white pepper. The flavors and acidity linger nicely on the finish. This Gruner would pair well with oysters. Enjoy - Ken August 17, 2021
A Feb '21 blurb from the San Francisco Chronicle about the winery and wines click here
Maybe a bit redundant but another blurb here
wineryreflections.com waxed poetic about the Chenin Blanc yep, click here again
fwiw
@kaolis thanks for the info as always. Interesting how spect writes to “drink now” in December 2021.
Couldn’t wait to see the giphy:
/giphy pulpy-yucky-elbow
