The days of 'petrol in a bottle' are long gone in Austria. The range, quality (and prices)..have increased over the past 10 years. I have to admit..it's like learning to walk again...as it is a 'jungle' of districts and winemakers..and grapes. Crazy Joe...has reached 100 different grapes...if I want to catch up..I'll start with a Chateauneuf-du-Pape..which could contain up to 13 in one bottle! St. Laurent is a grape still planted quite frequently in Austria..and is similar in style to Pinot Noir. The Austrian wines most definitely have a style of their own..no matter what grape. The Umathum below I have tried before 2001 That vintage worked for me...but this lady needed a little more fat to impress.
Umathum St.Laurent vom Stein 2002Neusiedlersee, Burgenland, Austria
100% St.Laurent spending 18 months in 100% new medium Allier barrels. 12 months bottle aging before release.
Cool nose...which slowly opened to show
wild forest fruits...flavour is very
sour- cherry..with a mouth-watering juiciness..spices..all sounds pretty good...but a touch more fat on the hips would have swung it.
Points 16.5
Mills Reef Reserva Cabernet Merlot 2006Hawkes Bay, New ZealandPart of the mix here is grown in the Gimblett Gravels vineyard. Two-thirds Cabernet...Deep colour...and an attractive bouquet of plums with minty overtones..trace of the blackcurrant. As it developed there was a creaminess..counteracting the fine grainy tannins...trace of the oak (12 months in French)...cigar-box & leather...coffee and nuts and an elegant feeling...although a hefty 14%...it's won a few prizes and one can see why...can be enjoyed now but will hold for a few years.Points 16.5
Off to our regular meeting at a local eatery with Volker & Robert...two bottles from myself..a third was brought by Robert.Salwey Henkenberg Weissburgunder
Grosses Gewachs 2006Baden, GermanyLovely..I was really impressed..more so than the 2007..maybe because the younger wine needed a few months..and the 2006 had more balance. Pears and figs...and a whole host of delicious minerals...each glass was a pleasure. A smoothness making it a crowd pleaser...but those lively earthy minerals...sparkling on the palate. Citrus fruits..and matched perfectly with some fresh Calamares.Points 17.25Two reds (both covered)...and before I could ask which one first..Robert's wine was in the glass.Pinot Noir.....which pleased me..cos mine was of the sames genes. I guessed French....then there were 2 possibilities.A great producer from a 'lesser' vintage..or.. a small producer from a great vintage. I tended towards the latter..thinking Cote Chalonaise...It was the former..and I later realised I have a bottle in my cellar(present from my wife)Domaine Armand Rouseau
Gevrey-Chambertin1er Cru Lavaux St. Jacques 2004Burgundy, FranceReally lovely aroma on pouring...temptation...let me at it! Dancing fruit on the tongue...some marzipan..soft smoky touch...dusty tannins..dry..but a real classy style. When I knew Burgundy like the back of my hand (20 years ago)..I drank a lot of Rousseau..and it hardly ever disappointed...nothing has changed it seems.Points 17.75
The last of a mixed 6 pack purchased directly from Salwey...a top producer...and this is the top red.Salwey Kirchberg ***
G.G. Spätburgunder 2006Baden, GermanyDecent oak..and typical SB nose..quite full..elderberry fruit...still slightly closed..and maybe a touch 'flatter' than the Frenchy...nevertheless..a real good mouthful of Baden sunshine.Points 17.5
My wife had a 'special' birthday..so we went out for a meal with the children.
Markus Schneider 'Steinsatz' 2005
