Holiday

I am off on holiday...the photo at the top of the blog should give you a clue...a full report in two weeks...I can't wait...after some very busy times...the body needs rest, food, wine, and hopefully sunshine.

Spargel Time

It's 'Spargel' time...Asparagus to the English speakers. The markets are now full of the white stuff. I am a green man myself...but as my wife loves the former version...it tends to be a regular meal until the end of May. A market stall was offering the 'perfect wine' for Spargel...Sauvignon Blanc. So...down into the celler...to break open a new case of mixed Austrian whites.


Wohlmuth Steinriegel
Sauvignon Blanc 2009
South Styria,Austria
A slithering snake of a wine...honey and apples...
a trace of gooseberry...but only a trace...
good value at € 18,--
Points 16.5





Potzinger Joseph Ried Sulz
Sauvignon Blanc 2008
South Styria, Austria
Green-yellow...intriguing aromas...
coconut & cream on the palate...
a complex wine...spices...and potential.
Points 17





Müller Sauvignon Blanc
Private Reserve 2007
South Styria, Austria
Peaches...and a nutty aroma...vibrant fruit...
a touch of salt...needs air...
another complex offer from South Styria.
The place to go for SB.
Points 17

White Wine For The Aged

 

A recent bottle of 2011  Riesling from von Volxem which was very forward and a 2007 Riesling from Rebholz in the Pfalz...were the reasons for opening this single bottle I had purchased a few years ago. The Rebholz had been showing age...and no point in leaving whites TOO long  in the cellar someone said. Ah...but with Riesling...as with no other grape...it is down to what your requirements are. There are the acidity lovers who's young stomachs yearn for the stuff...they drink it even after a tasting. Those days are gone for me...I like my Riesling to be a little fat with the acidity just caressing the whole.

Von Volxem Alte Rebe 2007

Mosel, Germany

In the old days...this would have been from the Saar...when talking about the wine region...all under one hat now...and that may well be...but this style would not be found maybe in the main Mosel area.. It spends time in old barrels....but is terroir total! Drank over 2 days...it shows a really clean, clear-cut style...flintstone nose (no ..not Fred)...oily grapefruit...tons of fruit...bread crust...soft butter...but as required for my tatse...that gentle spot of acidity. Silky but crisp...fine length...I gave this 17 points on the first day...and on day 2...as the sun went down...I said...dammit...this is good (only cost €15,--)...and it earned

Points 17.5

F.X. Pichler Loibner Berg
Grüner Veltliner 2003

Wachau, Austria

Bought 3 bottles of this vintage...plus one of 2002...on Ebay.  It can be a minefield...especially if you buy from someone in Austria...where the postage can cost € 15,-- Luckily my seller was in Germany...and I have no idea why he would want to get rid of the wines. This cost € 26,-- and is a snip. Still very much a wine to be reckoned with...gold colour...stones and diamonds...the dryness and sparkle...layers of soft fruit on the palate...great that these wines are still available...still have no idea why he would sell them. My gain...thank you

Points 17.5

Pinot Perfection

The idea was born out a few weeks ago. Robert & I were at our local Bistro...and he said he had 2 bottles of vintage 2009...not from Germany or France...and that I should choose 2 bottles of German Pinot...and we would taste them blind at friend Volker's house.

Sunday evening arrived...I had deposited my pair the day before with the orders to Volker's wife Steffi...to open at midday and decant at 4.13 pm ( we wine-lovers are very precise).

On arrival there was the usual Riesling on offer...a first from the new vintage 2011...Van Volxem Wiltinger Braunfels from the Saar.

It went perfectly with the first course of Oysters from the oven. Here and now...what was on offer food-wise...was an absolute delight. Chef Volker was on top form indeed.

A very tasty pea soup with various ingredients warmed us nicely for the much awaited (Robert and I were visibly excited) 4 sexy wines.

Steffi had mixed up the decanters...so we had no idea which was ours. We went through all 4 wines returning to them to see the development.

Wine 1

Fritz Wassmer
Spätburgunder XXL 2009
Baden, Germany

First wine was poured showing a lightish...mature colour. Perfect Pinot...we don't want any deep dark brooders. Gorgeous marzipan aroma...smokey.. a trace of liquorice on the aftertaste the second time around.

Perfect Pinot...I knew it was the Wassmer...but held back saying it...as we were to try to guess at the end.

Points 18.25

Wine 2

Gantenbein Pinot Noir 2009
Fläsch, Switzerland

Animal aromas...red forest fruit...a soft tannic feel...lively acidity...potential...fine now but needs a year or two

Points 17.75

Wine 3

Paul Schumacher
Walporzheimer Kräuterberg Spätburgunder 2009
Ahr, Germany

Clear colour...shiny...a little earthy...some vanilla....vibrant acidity...and again soft tannins. Needs a year two as well.

Points 17.5

Wine 4

Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica 2009
Willamette Valley, U.S.A.

Darker colour. graceful rich fruit...but this was New World...so not mine. Raspberries...good texture...complex...different style to the other 3 but no less interesting. In fact...if the Wassmer had stayed home...this would have been the star.

Points 18

We had all given points....and only Robert marked under 17 for any of them....the Schumacher suffering.
Wines 1 & 4 were both marked with 18 & over.

I was asked which were my two wines...I said Wine 1...but I was not sure about 2 & 3

Robert was certain Wine 1 was his...thinking it was the Gantenbein. We both knew Wine 4 was his...New World style.

Man...was I pleased...not only to have offered the 'winner'...but it cost (no longer available) € 30,-- whereas the Gantenbein and Antica can set you back € 80,--

The Schumacher also costs € 30,--

I could have offered the top Huber or Fürst...but if a € 30,-- comes out on top of a very fine selection of wines...then I rest my case!

The Guinea Fowl main course was sensational...and the selection of cheeses meant I overdid it...but who cares...a great evening.

A Sign Of Age?

The day job has had priority over the last few weeks...hardly time to update the blog. The positive is...money earned to buy some more of the liquid stuff.

Velich Darscho Chardonnay 2009
Neusiedlersee, Austria

Heinz Velich is a name to watch. He makes my style of Chardonnay. The 'Tiglat' tasted recently had impressed. They see new oak...but the balance is perfect and there always remains a balance veering towards minerals. Flinty nose...lychee fruit...and a touch of honey.

Points 17

Winkler-Hermaden Sauvignon Blanc
Hochwart Stürghk 2009

South East Styria, Austria

Strange...but when I used to try the grape...the very thought of gooseberries made my mouth pucker. Not any more...I have found the new home of this variety...and this one is a bargain at € 15,--. Blood oranges...juicy citrus fruit and a good finish makes this a must for daily summer drinking.

Points 16.5

Kollwentz Taschler Chardonnay 2009
Burgenland, Austria

Again the minerals in these Austrian wines turn me on. Oaky notes...melons...elegant spices...and a dose of citrus fruit. Lively acidity and a creamy finish

Points 17.25

Jackson Estate Vintage Widow
Pinot Noir 2010

Marlborough, New Zealand

Scented bouquet...aroma of violets...and some dark forest fruit...gentle smokey aromas. Silky structure...and lots of potential

Points 17

and finally...a sign of age?...tired from overwork?

Pfleger Pinot Noir *** 2008
Pfalz, Germany

I just grabbed for the basic bottle of Pfleger's Pinot Noir 2009...and after tasting the first glass...was thinking what a real gem it had developed into.

Showing my wife the label...I suddenly realized I had mistakenly opened my only bottle of the 2008 ***

More through shock...the only notes I made were...lovely now...but needed a year or two...which it won't get anymore.

Points 17.25

Aber, der Wein ist gut!

A restaurant nearby, La Villa, had a new owner and chef...so we decided to try it out.
He has previously had a one-star restaurant in Bad Homburg...so our hopes were high.
I called about taking a bottle of red...no problem...and I had planned we would drink a white from their list. A visit the day before...only one of two whites of interest...but as it turned out...I made the right choice.


Years ago...a German actor...Walter Sedlmayr...did some documentaries about European countries he visited. The one about Britain contained lots of negatives when it came to places to eat and the food. His last comment after every report was...
'Aber, der Tee ist gut!...But, the tea is good!'

Each dish on the menu is 3 products...which can work...but if you were offered 3 girls...a Redhead, a Brunette and a Blonde...wouldn't you want more details before agreeing to go out with them? It seems to be a trend...so we may have to live with it.



The 'greeting' from the kitchen had pleased....






The first courses were
Matjes, Apfel, Rote Beete
Garnelen, Knuspermantel, Erdnuss
The latter was OK...but no flair or refinement...just OK




Aber, der Wein war gut! But, the wine was good!

The next courses faired much better...
Kalbsbacke, Sellerie, Radischen
Sepia, Linguini, Paprika





The main courses....
Adlerfisch, Graupen, Fenchel
Stubenkücken, Mais, Knöpfle
A little more finesse please...fine if you are popping into a local Bistro...but they are supposed to be more upmarket in their offerings...


Aber, der Wein war gut! But, the wine was good!

and so to the wines....
Huber is THE top man in Germany...particularly the reds...and as the bottle was brought to the table..I thought the waiter had the wrong one. The bottle certainly makes you sit up...a darkish colour seemed to be inside...and the label was not the usual one for the property. But it was the one I ordered...Huber has produced a very striking bottle here...ideal for restaurants...this cost € 58,-- in the restaurant

Huber Weißburgunder/Freisamer
Malterer Cuvée 2009
Baden, Germany
Instant appeal..yellow apple and honey melon on the nose...and a nice dash of vanilla. Would it be too fat?...no way...a lively acidity in there...and mineral backbone. This is very good...and worth buying for home consume.
Points 17
I checked bill when we got home...they had only charged us € 37,--....but read on regarding corkage.






The red was a birthday present from my secretary / assistant...I must be a decent boss!
Bergström Pinot Noir
Bergström Vineyard 2006
Oregon, U.S.A.
Dark fruit aroma...aged cassis fruit...savoury & ripe...dark caramel...wild mushroom...this is
a brooding but ripe Pinot...
Points 17
and...they charged € 15,-- corkage...which I thought a touch high as their wine list is no great shakes...but the wine god shines on it's flock at times...the Huber was a snip!

Yes...as I said..the Wine Was Good!

Route 66

Down the long highway of life I finally reached 'Route 66' on March 20th.
As one German singer sang ' at 66 years-old...life begins'!
Great. I'll get quicker at soccer every Sunday and score hat-tricks at will!





To celebrate I ordered a table at our local Bistro...we were nine people...6 of whom were wine-drinkers. I had planned some good wines...not needing much discussion as it would be a little loud when my 3 daughter get together.

Tuesday morning....
8am...good friend Volker and wife called. Throat infection...can't come.
9am...Daughter and Husband Jochen called...stomach problems.
Our other daughter had a dentist appointment and called early afternoon to say she also had a stomach problem.
A change of the planned wines....only Robert and myself who partake of the grape...so I decided we would just drink, enjoy and not make notes.
Two wines that have impressed recently....
Erwin Sabathi
Limited 111 Sauvignon Blanc 2008
South Styria
It was wonderful....and purchased under € 30,-- Find me a better Sauvignon Blanc than this.
Robert, who does not freely give high marks...awarded this wine 18.25
Points 18








Joachim Hollerith
Maximus Pinot Noir 2008
Pfalz, Germany
As good as the bottle tasted a month ago...with the soft marzipan feel to is...and grainy tannins
Points 17.5

After the dropping of all the guests like flies...the table of 4 enjoyed a fine evening.

Wine Moments

Back in the late 70's/early 80's the place to go for something special to eat...was Back then everybody ate Shrimp Cocktail followed by Steak au Poivre whenever they were out to eat something above the average. Mövenpick was a Swiss concern and they served lots of Rösti (fried grated potatoes) and Kalbs Geschnetzeltes(slices of veal in a cream sauce. It was not easy for me to order around the time as it was early in my learning of the German language. They also had a very good wine-list...and I remember well buying the odd bottle of La Tache 1972 every time I had enough Deutsch Marks. It cost 70 of them and was gorgeous. The restaurant chain has long disappeared in Germany...although they still offer wines online. It has been a while...but my wife decided to repeat one of our memories...and she added Shiitake Mushrooms to the mix.
Searching the cellar for a soft red...my eyes lighted on the 2007 from the Weingut Erwin Kopp...and it seemed to be that it was right to drink it. A few days ago I had an email from Karl Hodapp...Rebstock in Waldulm...informing me that Herr Kopp had passed away recently. We had both visited the property about 18 months ago and I had purchased this bottle. Erwin Kopp had been a delightful host...even giving my a bottle of his Sparkling wine to try. He certainly seemed in the best of health. Sad to hear the sad news.
Weingut Ewald Kopp
Spätburgunder trocken 'R' 2007
Baden, Germany
This smells and tastes of forest fruits...wild strawberries...the fruit is vibrant...instantly appealing...no hard work needed here. Ewald Kopp learned his trade at the top property in Baden...Huber. Ewald Kopp has his own 'style'...one you could pick out in the dark. He will be missed.
Points 17.25









Saturday late morning and the sun was with us. Sat out in the square...read the paper...drank my coffee. The first 'event' of the season...was a Spanish group...Hispanos...the singer is also a good cook! With the enjoyable concert still in my mind...I decided on Sunday evening to open a Spanish wine...




Roda Reserve 2004
Rioja, Spain
I remember this showing better a couple of years ago...and as 2004 was a top vintage.
Maybe it needed a touch of the Hispanos to show better. Musky red cherry, tobacco, pencil shavings, some plums...but this bottle was not forthcoming.
Points 16

Wines To Please A Wine Lover

A selection of wines tried and tasted over the past 2 weeks...ah...it's a hard life ...I know!

First up...two goodies from New Zealand
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2010
Central Otego, New Zealand
Spices, dark cherries, blackcurrant fruit....quite firm...but potential....earth and plums.
Points 17.5













Chard Farm Mata-au 2009
Central Otego, New Zealand
Lovely sweet fruit...fresh and lively...caramel...cherry fruit on the palate.
Points 17.5












I had purchased a bottle of the Stonier Chardonnay 2009...which was a touch too oaky for me....
but the Pinot Noir 2009 was more to my liking.
Stonier Pinot Noir 2009
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
This was lively with wild earthy character...spices...tart raspberries...juicy plums...good length...and good value...and only 13%.
Points 17











A mature Sauvignon Blanc next...
Erwin Sabathi Sauvignon Blanc
Merveilleux 2005
South Styria, Austria
RIPE....but missing any verve by now...would not refuse it...but the minerals and bounce that the wines have when young were all but gone. A warning not to keep them too long.
Points 16











Schubert Block B
Pinot Noir 2009
Martinborough, New Zealand
After the 2008 Marion's Vineyard I tried while in the UK...I found a source in Germany selling the wine at €23,-- I bit their hand off...and also ordered this one at € 30,-- and was rewarded with this little gem. A juicy Pinot...with cinnamon and dark cherry fruit...rich fruit...and silky tannins. My style of Miss Noir...and super next day as well. A great house-wine!!!!
Points 17.75








Velich Chardonnay
Tiglat 2009
Burgenland, Austria
You know you have something special instantly. This is how Chardonnay should be made. A ride on a wild horse over a cactus prairie!!! Great aromatics...and spiky minerality...dried orange peel...caramel...hazelnuts...with a decent amount of butter to heal the wounds from all that cactus!
Great stuff.
Points 17.5...and with potential.

Indian Twins

Talking over the last few months to a few Pakistan and Indian contacts...in their homeland...they either drink whiskey, a beer....or a sickly sweet wine with their food. Agreed...it is hot there...and a vindaloo curry would kill any wine. With nowhere to go on a Sunday evening we booked into our local 'Indian' restaurant...although the staff are primarily from Pakistan. I know the owner...and he knows my affection for good wine and that I like to bring a bottle. No problem...and he does not even charge corkage...very friendly...the whole restaurant...as is the atmosphere.
I ordered a Veal Madras Curry...nicely spicy...and ready to compete with what you throw at it.
Skoff Obegg
Sauvignon Blanc 2007
South Styria, Austria
Delightful flowery aromas...peaches and lychees...creamy texture with excellent minerals which was perfect with the food. Nutty tones...never wavering...what the curry gave...it gave back. Perfect match.
Points 17.5






The left-over food was taken home...and the next evening...the same 'mix' was tried again.

Tschermonegg Oberglanzberg
Sauvignon Blanc 2007
South Styria, Austria
To be honest...this smelled more Grüner Veltliner...and was a touch 'fatter' than the previous wine. Exotic nose...elderberries...tobacco...a touch burnt smoke...quite full...but not a 'boaster'...a wine to mooch over...if inclined...but it had to be on it's toes to not be over-whelmed by the food.
Points 17.5




So...twin Austrians...both equal in points...with the Skoff probably better when asked to bite into the spicy curry...but the Tschermonegg appealed with it's softer charm.