Another Mosel Spaetlese Riesling:
Wine Spectator gave a later vintage a 92...
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Dr Pauly Bergweiler 2006 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spaetlese 10 % alcohol about $25
Let’s start with the marketing materials (for the 2008 vintage). “Tasting Note : Rich and juicy, with lively acidity to focus its apricot, nectarine, apple and salty lime essence. Terrific balance and harmony, followed by a long finish, makes for a winning combination. Drink now through 2032. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, at the Wine Spectator website, Dec. 15, 2009” And now for my review.
At the first sips I noted a great combination of acidity and sweetness. This wine was slightly metallic. When paired with Japanese rice crackers it was round. My initial meal centered on a boxed Eggplant Parmigiana that I liberally doused with grated Parmesan cheese. This Riesling offered honeyed sweetness but its acidity was somewhat raw. I noted caramel. When it encountered macaroons (coconut cookies) this nectar provided mostly acidity with light caramel.
This review of Another Mosel Spaetlese Riesling: continues on my web site.
Friday, April 13, 2012
A German Fun Riesling
A German Fun Riesling:
Can a fun Riesling be fine?...
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Fuenf Riesling Deutscher Landwein Rhein Germany (no year) 9 % alcohol about $10
Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Bright straw color; peach, apricot, and mineral aromas; off dry; citrus and mineral flavors with clean finish. Serving Suggestion : Serve with poached trout or halibut.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine’s sugar and acidity were both obtrusive. This drink was raw. When paired with Japanese rice crackers its acidity remained harsh but its sweetness was tamed. My initial meal centered on a boxed Eggplant Parmigiana liberally doused with grated Parmesan cheese. The Riesling tasted of unripe apples; its acidity was raw. When it encountered macaroons (coconut cookies) harsh acidity was all that remained.
This review of A German Fun Riesling: continues on my web site.
Can a fun Riesling be fine?...
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Fuenf Riesling Deutscher Landwein Rhein Germany (no year) 9 % alcohol about $10
Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Bright straw color; peach, apricot, and mineral aromas; off dry; citrus and mineral flavors with clean finish. Serving Suggestion : Serve with poached trout or halibut.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine’s sugar and acidity were both obtrusive. This drink was raw. When paired with Japanese rice crackers its acidity remained harsh but its sweetness was tamed. My initial meal centered on a boxed Eggplant Parmigiana liberally doused with grated Parmesan cheese. The Riesling tasted of unripe apples; its acidity was raw. When it encountered macaroons (coconut cookies) harsh acidity was all that remained.
This review of A German Fun Riesling: continues on my web site.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A Rheingau Riesling Auslese
A Rheingau Riesling Auslese:
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Georg Breuer Rheingau Riesling Auslese 2005 9.5 % alcohol about $20 (half-sized bottle)
After all these years I don’t have the marketing materials. The back label says nothing. And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was honeyed, thick, and syrupy. When paired with Japanese rice crackers its acidity perked up. It was delicious. My initial meal centered on a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano doused with grated Parmesan cheese. The Riesling brimmed with lemon and caramel. It tingled. Fresh strawberries rendered our German friend syrupy and long with the taste of lime. However macaroons (coconut cookies) overwhelmed it. I made sure not to waste the nectar.
This review of A Rheingau Riesling Auslese: continues on my web site.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Georg Breuer Rheingau Riesling Auslese 2005 9.5 % alcohol about $20 (half-sized bottle)
After all these years I don’t have the marketing materials. The back label says nothing. And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was honeyed, thick, and syrupy. When paired with Japanese rice crackers its acidity perked up. It was delicious. My initial meal centered on a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano doused with grated Parmesan cheese. The Riesling brimmed with lemon and caramel. It tingled. Fresh strawberries rendered our German friend syrupy and long with the taste of lime. However macaroons (coconut cookies) overwhelmed it. I made sure not to waste the nectar.
This review of A Rheingau Riesling Auslese: continues on my web site.
A Canadian VQA Riesling
A Canadian VQA Riesling:
Can you get a decent Canadian Riesling at this price?...
Wine Reviewed
Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Straw in color; faint aromas of apple, pear, ripe citrus; flavors of apple, sweet pear, low in acidity, medium bodied. Serving Suggestion : Serve with appetizers, soft cheeses, chicken, or roast poultry. And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was pleasant, offering nice sweetness and acidity. Japanese rice crackers rounded it a bit. My initial meal centered on a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano doused with grated Parmesan cheese. The Riesling provided refreshing acidity. It was nice and long and slightly metallic. Fresh strawberries weakened our Canadian friend. The wine remained weak when paired with macaroons (coconut cookies).
This review of A Canadian VQA Riesling:continues on my web site.
Can you get a decent Canadian Riesling at this price?...
Wine Reviewed
20 Bees Riesling VQA Ontario 2009 12 % alcohol about $10
Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Straw in color; faint aromas of apple, pear, ripe citrus; flavors of apple, sweet pear, low in acidity, medium bodied. Serving Suggestion : Serve with appetizers, soft cheeses, chicken, or roast poultry. And now for my review. At the first sips this wine was pleasant, offering nice sweetness and acidity. Japanese rice crackers rounded it a bit. My initial meal centered on a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano doused with grated Parmesan cheese. The Riesling provided refreshing acidity. It was nice and long and slightly metallic. Fresh strawberries weakened our Canadian friend. The wine remained weak when paired with macaroons (coconut cookies).
This review of A Canadian VQA Riesling:continues on my web site.
Friday, April 6, 2012
A Canadian Oaked Chardonnay
A Canadian Oaked Chardonnay: Wine Reviewed
Tawes Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula 2009 13 % alcohol about $20
Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Tawse continues to bring its A-game with the Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay. Mineral, peach, red apple and a hint of sulfur come through on the nose. It brings great length on the medium-bodied palate, with red apple, peach and mango flavors, while staying fairly focused and avoiding flabbiness. This wine won a gold medal at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards. Score - 90. (Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson, at the Wine Access Canada website, Nov. 7, 2011) “ And now for my review.
At the first sips the wine offered light oak and was somewhat sweet. Japanese rice crackers brought acidity to the fore. My initial meal centered on a paprika dusted barbecued chicken leg. The Chardonnay’s oak stood out but there was some mango. When it met brown rice garnished with wild rice, the drink’s oak was still present, along with acidity and caramel. The side salad of cucumber, tomato, broccoli sprouts, red onion, red peppers, cilantro, and pecans rendered our Canadian friend too oaky. I did notice some acidity. Upon pairing with fresh pineapple it tasted of oak, and caramel.
This review of A Canadian Oaked Chardonnay: continues on my web site.
Tawes Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula 2009 13 % alcohol about $20
Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Tawse continues to bring its A-game with the Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay. Mineral, peach, red apple and a hint of sulfur come through on the nose. It brings great length on the medium-bodied palate, with red apple, peach and mango flavors, while staying fairly focused and avoiding flabbiness. This wine won a gold medal at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards. Score - 90. (Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson, at the Wine Access Canada website, Nov. 7, 2011) “ And now for my review.
At the first sips the wine offered light oak and was somewhat sweet. Japanese rice crackers brought acidity to the fore. My initial meal centered on a paprika dusted barbecued chicken leg. The Chardonnay’s oak stood out but there was some mango. When it met brown rice garnished with wild rice, the drink’s oak was still present, along with acidity and caramel. The side salad of cucumber, tomato, broccoli sprouts, red onion, red peppers, cilantro, and pecans rendered our Canadian friend too oaky. I did notice some acidity. Upon pairing with fresh pineapple it tasted of oak, and caramel.
This review of A Canadian Oaked Chardonnay: continues on my web site.
A Canadian Unoaked Chardonnay
A Canadian Unoaked Chardonnay: - Sent using Google Toolbar
Wine Reviewed
Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Pale straw color with aromas of pineapple and pear. Fresh citrus fruit on the palate, medium-bodied with crisp acidity on the finish. Serving Suggestion : Seared tuna, sea bass with fresh herbs and lemon butter, grilled salmon, grilled chicken with a fruit chutney. “ And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine offered pleasant acidity with a light citrus taste but was fairly short. Japanese rice crackers sharpened its acidity. My initial meal centered on a paprika dusted barbecued chicken leg. The Chardonnay responded with oak and oranges, accompanied by pleasant acidity. When it met brown rice garnished with wild rice, the drink’s acidity stepped up but its fruit declined. The side salad of cucumber, tomato, broccoli sprouts, red onion, red peppers, cilantro, and pecans rendered our Canadian friend short yet refreshing. But upon pairing with fresh pineapple it became lightly syrupy and not much else.
This review of a A Canadian Unoaked Chardonnay: continues on my web site.
Wine Reviewed
Pillitteri Unoaked Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula 2010 12.5 % alcohol about $10
Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Pale straw color with aromas of pineapple and pear. Fresh citrus fruit on the palate, medium-bodied with crisp acidity on the finish. Serving Suggestion : Seared tuna, sea bass with fresh herbs and lemon butter, grilled salmon, grilled chicken with a fruit chutney. “ And now for my review. At the first sips this wine offered pleasant acidity with a light citrus taste but was fairly short. Japanese rice crackers sharpened its acidity. My initial meal centered on a paprika dusted barbecued chicken leg. The Chardonnay responded with oak and oranges, accompanied by pleasant acidity. When it met brown rice garnished with wild rice, the drink’s acidity stepped up but its fruit declined. The side salad of cucumber, tomato, broccoli sprouts, red onion, red peppers, cilantro, and pecans rendered our Canadian friend short yet refreshing. But upon pairing with fresh pineapple it became lightly syrupy and not much else.
This review of a A Canadian Unoaked Chardonnay: continues on my web site.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
A Napa County Passover Kosher Wine
A Napa County Passover Kosher Wine: Wine Reviewed
Weinstock Cellar Select Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher for Passover Mevushal 2008 13.5 % alcohol about $20
Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: The nose here offers up suggestions of redcurrant, cassis, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, toast and touches of mocha. The palate is dry, ripe and sunny, with excellent fruit and a backbone of fine ripe tannins. Both red and black fruit notes emerge, along with roasted red pepper and more spice and chocolate. This will drink well for the next 3-5 years and will make an excellent pairing for braised meats, or even a meaty pasta dish or pizza. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2011).” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was long, round, and mouth-filling but its fruit was light. Since I tasted this wine before Passover Japanese rice crackers were on the menu. They served to render the drink multilayered and brought out the plums. Slow-cooked meatballs rendered the libation even more forceful. When paired with the potatoes, the drink presented lots of chocolate (but not Passover chocolate). The salad composed of broccoli sprouts, cucumbers, orange and yellow peppers, tomato, cilantro, and Portabello mushrooms imparted the taste of chocolate and black cherries.
This review of A Napa County Passover Kosher Wine: continues on my web site.
Weinstock Cellar Select Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher for Passover Mevushal 2008 13.5 % alcohol about $20
Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: The nose here offers up suggestions of redcurrant, cassis, ripe raspberry, cinnamon, toast and touches of mocha. The palate is dry, ripe and sunny, with excellent fruit and a backbone of fine ripe tannins. Both red and black fruit notes emerge, along with roasted red pepper and more spice and chocolate. This will drink well for the next 3-5 years and will make an excellent pairing for braised meats, or even a meaty pasta dish or pizza. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2011).” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was long, round, and mouth-filling but its fruit was light. Since I tasted this wine before Passover Japanese rice crackers were on the menu. They served to render the drink multilayered and brought out the plums. Slow-cooked meatballs rendered the libation even more forceful. When paired with the potatoes, the drink presented lots of chocolate (but not Passover chocolate). The salad composed of broccoli sprouts, cucumbers, orange and yellow peppers, tomato, cilantro, and Portabello mushrooms imparted the taste of chocolate and black cherries.
This review of A Napa County Passover Kosher Wine: continues on my web site.
A French Kosher For Passover Cab
A French Kosher For Passover Cab: Wine Reviewed
Fortant Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher for Passover Mevushal 2006 11.5 % alcohol about $10
Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Deep purplish/ruby color; spicy black berries, black pepper and minerals with subtle oaky notes; medium-bodied with a dry finish.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine offered plums and some harsh acidity. It was short but a taste remained at the finish; this is not a positive comment. Since I reviewed this wine prior to Passover Japanese rice crackers were on the menu. They served to step up the drink’s harshness. Slow-cooked meatballs brought out the plums that were lurking in the liquid. And partially tamed its acidity. When paired with the potatoes, the drink’s acidity was now OK. I tasted chocolate (but not Passover chocolate). The salad composed of broccoli sprouts, cucumbers, orange and yellow peppers, tomato, cilantro, and Portabello mushrooms thinned the chocolate.
This review of A French Kosher For Passover Cab continues on my web site.
Fortant Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher for Passover Mevushal 2006 11.5 % alcohol about $10
Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Deep purplish/ruby color; spicy black berries, black pepper and minerals with subtle oaky notes; medium-bodied with a dry finish.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine offered plums and some harsh acidity. It was short but a taste remained at the finish; this is not a positive comment. Since I reviewed this wine prior to Passover Japanese rice crackers were on the menu. They served to step up the drink’s harshness. Slow-cooked meatballs brought out the plums that were lurking in the liquid. And partially tamed its acidity. When paired with the potatoes, the drink’s acidity was now OK. I tasted chocolate (but not Passover chocolate). The salad composed of broccoli sprouts, cucumbers, orange and yellow peppers, tomato, cilantro, and Portabello mushrooms thinned the chocolate.
This review of A French Kosher For Passover Cab continues on my web site.
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