Four Drinkers, Four Wines

Our pre-Xmas meeting..the regulars..Robert, Volker & Axel..at our local Bistro. To be honest...I couldn't make up my mind what wines to take...very last minute...but thankfully...all pleased. Notes are sparse as the banter was, as always, tops...and I forgot to write anything at times.
Fritz Waßmer Syrah
trocken Barrique 2005
Baden, Germany
Good colour...meaty, funky nose...and surprisingly..there is a fresh acidity...after a couple of 'hot' Spätburgunder from this property I had fears...this had spices and was a good example of a grape that is becoming more popular in German vineyards.
Points 17







Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Télégraphe 2005
Rhone, France
Quite complex...aromatic aroma..slightly wild....doesn't leap from the glass...just entices you..and the palate continues with the composed sweet fruit...liquorice..marzipan..ripe tannins...this has very good balance..and with time could be a top wine.
Points 17.5








Óscar Tobía Reserva 2004
Rioja, Spain
We had tasted this on a previous meeting...Robert had forgotten...and was not as impressed this time ..which could be down to the wines tasted alongside. I still find this a very well-made new Rioja.......intense minerals...sour cherries and plums...a trace of the oak.....fills the mouth..roasted tones...this is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Otras and spends 21 months in French and Hungarian oak...
Points 16.5





Fritz Waßmer Spätburgunder 'R'
trocken Barrique 2004
Baden, Germany
This bottle has been pulled and then pushed back into the rack a few times.
Finally I decided tonight was the time...and I remember Volker had been impressed by it.
Pale-rimmed...VERY French in style...if I had tasted blind..I would have chosen Burgundy. Lovely strawberry nose... On the palate much more to enjoy...really lovely mouthful of ripe fruit..silky & 'sweetish' as all good Pinots are..but of course dry..just about the right weight—held beautifully as you roll it around...and the finish was long and capped a really good glass of my favourite grape.
Points 17.75