A Pre-Xmas Mix

Markus Schneider Steinsatz 2007
Pfalz, Germany
Markus Schneider is like a mad professor....trying all sorts..not afraid to experiment. Well..if you don't try...you won't succeed. This is a Cuvée of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and St Laurent..which are from an old Vineyard 'Steinsatz'..which comprises of different soils.
Wow...this is soft at first...OK...a softy to please me...as I expected more spice...but hey....Jekell & Hyde....cos after 30 minutes it shows it's hairy chest...cassis...the power and spices appear...and 2 days later...no deterioration...enticing 'spaß' aroma...thick dark berries...I had forgotten that I had tried the 2005 this year...which had impressed...and this is no different.
Points 17.5

Emmerich Knoll Ried Loibenberg
Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2007
Wachau, Austria
Walnuts...which is not so strange..as the oiliness found in many GV's is present here...but never overdone...this gives you freshness...rich nuttiness..next day it went very well with some Sashimi. Complexity and the finish sits nicely for 30 seconds...
Points 17.25


Invited to friend's house for dinner......Xmas decorations already lit...












Johner Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
Wairarapa, New Zealand
Yes, this wine is made by the famous wine producing Johner family from Baden in Germany. They felt the conditions on the southern tip of North Island were ideal for producing excellent Pinot Noir.
Earthiness...dry cherry...good weight...filled out and showed brambly fruit...cloves..needs time maybe...
Points 15.5
I had taken along Gantenbein Pinot Noir 2005...which was, as always, wonderful...and with some still in the glass..a raspberry cake was served. Amazingly..the pairing was perfect!