Monday, September 28, 2009

German Cuvées

What has to be just right when eating suckling pig?...the 'crackling' has to be crunchy.




Two wines from Württemberg....both Cuvées..and another arrow in the bow for German wines.





Rings Quintessenz 2007
Pfalz, Germany
A real 'Spaßwein'..which roughly means a wine to enjoy...which all wines should be....but you know what I mean. Cost...€ 13,--...and a bargain. Young purple colour...a smell of dark plums...warm berry fruit on the palate...trace of dark olives...spices....enticing juiciness with a soft tannin bite. As it aired it became 'deeper'....I was sorry to lose that initial instant appeal. I left a few drops for 2 days....and it was still all there...no 'fader' here...
Points 16.75


Drautz-Able Jodokus 2005
Württemberg, Germany
After trying the 2001...the 2005 I saw on a list appealed.... This is more earthy on the nose....the oak not as dominant...still very savoury...grippy tannin.....
Points 16.5

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Canadian Pinot Noir

Lunch has been constantly interupted recently..so as the weather is warmer....I threw some Rucola salad (Arugula or Rocket in English) and marinated vegetables into a dish. The phone can ring all it wants now....
However...something warming in the evening...and I decided to try the present from this winery owner...Hans-Peter Espe.


Shelter Winery
Pinot Noir 2007

Baden, Germany
If the title of this post made you inquisitive...you are gonna be disappointed. A Pinot Noir in Canada!!!
A property in Baden... who's first vintage was 2003.The name comes from the Canadian Air Force bunker where Hans-Bert Espe and Silke Wolf started making wine. They now have more modern premises. I had the 2004 a couple of years ago...and it had potential.
I read recently that someone thought the 2005 was overt with sweet oak...like a California Pinot. I can only go by the 2004 and this one. I thought it 'spritely and lively'.....with a real juicy feel. Small forest strawberries on the nose. I remember hearing an American in a German restaurant..on seeing these small delicate type of strawberry..and then hollering 'In Texas..we have BIG Strawberries!'...but back to the wine...it has a medium palate...no obtrusive oak....even though it spends 18 months in French barrels....tannin layed-back...and a good finish. The bottle has a glass stopper...which may have been used when Herr Esper was travelling to sell his wine...I met him on our vacation recently......can't remember seeing this type of closure for a mid-priced Pinot in Germany.
Points 16.5

Monday, September 21, 2009

Baden Buys

On my trip to Baden...I purchased a few bottles....The Drautz-Able had been a big hit with me....
Heinemann Spätburgunder Scherzinger Batzenberg Barrique 2005
Baden, Germany
I always try to bring a wine back that you just don't see outside of the area. Heinemann has never caught my eye on any list.It is well made..a gentle developement as it aired...a pleaser at the dinner table. My 'diiner' was some merguez sausages...with a touch of spice...rather like chorizo. The wine paired nicely...has hidden talent. Ths is mid-range in price....wouldn't drive miles to buy one...but quite good.
Points 16

Fritz Wassmer Spätburgunder
Alte Rebe 2006

Baden, Germany
There are two Wassmer Brothers..both in Bad Krozingen-Schlatt. Fritz just ahead of Martin in quality.This 'Alte Rebe' reminds me of French Burgundy on the nose....the vines are cloned-Pinot...prickly taste..brambly strawberry..sweet oak. I thought Vosne-Romanèe...BUT...Wassmer's wines need some time to remove the oak...they are a bit much after 2 glasses at this age. Next day...had dived....
Points 17

I like Schnitzel!......well...when it is done right....it is tasty...but I am just kidding you after the last post. I like most things...particularly fresh mushrooms...short time in the pan....'au naturel'...with the two previous ingredients there was sliced potatoes with yellow and green paprika...and some pepperonis in there. My wife often does the potatoes in cream in the oven..this time a dryer lighter dish. Delicious.
And so to the wine.....
Fritz Wassmer Spätburgunder XXL 2005 trocken Barrique
Baden, Germany
As the 'Alte Rebe' had gone downhill next day...I quickly decided to open this top wine from the property.This is a touch 'cooler' in style...the oak less obtrusive..but still needing time...nose more layed-back...dark berries...some tobacco...time..time..time...
Points 17.25
Strange....both Wassmer wines were not drinkable next day....stinky nose.....you can't expect all wines to hold 24 hours....but still seems strange...

Friday, September 18, 2009

Lamb To The Slaughter

I like Lamb!......which being English..may not surprise anyone. As a child..Sunday lunch was traditional..and Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce (don't knock it 'til you've tried it) was a regular. Nowadays..there are so many variations of Lamb on offer..and our local meeting place 'Mitch's Bistro'..always has some on the menu in some form or other. Regular readers will know we meet here..we being Volker, Robert and myself...and can bring our own wines. Usually I plan and bring..but this time Robert decided he wanted to bring the wines...which..he being in the wine trade...is not a bad thing. We ordered starters.. then checked the boards for a main course. The Lamb Carré in a Mustard Crust sounded good (I should know). Mitch..the Bistro owner arrived..took the main orders from my companions...then looked at me and said...'For You The Lamb in Mustard'....it wasn't a question either...I hung my head...he smiled..and turned away. Predictability can be very hurtful....the Lamb was great... so 'Yah Boo' to all of the doubters. I like Lamb!

Three bottles of reds...covered.....hardly any help from Robert with information.....I'll get my own back next time. Guess...and be dammed was the order of the evening.

Domaine Tollot-Beaut
Beaune-Clos-Du-Roi Premier Cru 2006
Burgundy, France
Pale-rimmed...perfumed nose at first..then a definite mushroom aroma..dusty..fine fruit...elegant and charming....really about ready...although a soft tannin coating will ensure a few years.
Points 16.25
Robert hardly gives you time to haggle....so just before revealing the label..I said...desperately...New Zealand Pinot Noir. Does guessing the grape get me any points...you would say no......because Pinot is easy to recognize you may say....read on...and learn otherwise...



Bouchard Finlayson Tete de Cuvée
Galphin Peak Pinot Noir 2001
Walker Bay, South Africa
75% spends 14 months in new oak barrels. Deepish colour..not Pinot then....first whiff showed a slight defect....this never really disappeared...animal smells...just stopped short of brett..not Pinot then (you see where I am leading with this?)...quite thick...intense flavour...a contrast to the nose....but still no hint of Pinot.An 'old-fashioned' style of wine was my comment. Really rather good..and would have faired better but for the nose defect.....''get a nose job done and change your life!''
Points 16.5
Volker & I were in the Rhône...Syrah, Granache....or New World maybe...I don't think I have had a Pinot more un-Pinot like.....you live & learn.

Gantenbein Pinot Noir 2007
Fläsch, Switzerland
Here my guess was Germany...this reminded me of the Fürst style in Franken......a final help from Robert was that we had tried another vintage of this wine.....which is true..the 2005. In fact..I tried the 2007 in May...when it was closed....amazing what a few months can do. Beautiful cherry nose...cream and marzipan on the palate..beautiful balance...'yum yum' was Robert's comment...elegant...strawberry fruit...long finish.
Points 18
What you don't get on the label...which is short and to the point..you certainly get in the bottle.

As usual...a splendid evening....

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Jodokus, Hades & Petrus

Drautz-Able Jodokus trocken Hades 2001
Württemberg, Germany
I purchased this 'oddity' on our vacation...I say oddity because of the vintage available...why was it still available? For 'foreigners'....one thing you have to know.....Baden is Baden....and Württemberg is Württemberg. It's like England & Scotland...or Germany and Austria.....and no doubt you will have your own comparison. I asked Herr Hodapp at Gasthof Rebstock in Waldulm (BADEN!!!) about adding to his wine-list....we chatted about the Ahr and the Pfalz..and I mentioned maybe a wine from Württemberg...he was not exactly shocked...but that look said all...I had to grin...OK..I understand...just not done.
I like the wines from the 'north'....they have a savoury earthiness...and I can usually tell them blind...but have very rarely had the chance to taste an 8 year-old example. Drautz-Able is in the town of Heilbronn. Jodokus Drautz founded the property 4 years after Columbus 'discovered' America (work it out..answers please on a post card...first prize..the last drops of this bottle)
A 'killer' for me..is when you open a bottle..and the whiff gets your loins vibrating...well...something like that....this was such just a wine. But..first things first...medium colour with a pale orange rim..danger if I hadn't gotten that pre-smell. OK..enough of chit-chat...nose in.....super...delicate...sweet cream...this spends 3 years in oak. The palate showed almost no tannins...although there was a holding spice thats strokes the soft 'fruity' fruit...fine gentle earthiness...dry cigar....there is Cabernet Sauvignon in this Cuvée..along with the, in this area, popular Lemberger. Perfect maturity....and would fit nicely on any 'Badische Weinliste'. My wife had made a light yellow Thai curry with chicken..the curry hitting the back of the throat and not the tongue. Curries can be a no-no for any tannin....so this was just perfect. Don't tell anyone....but there is only a drop left in the bottle. Sometimes 'Petrus' looks after his own. I'm glad I bought this.....
Points 17.25 or maybe 17.5....

Riesling And My Saumagen

Koehler-Ruprecht Kallstadter Saumagen
Riesling Auslese trocken 2007
Pfalz, Germany
First up..a Saumagen is a pig's stomach!
Second up...I love owner Bernd Philippi's Spätburgunder....
and Thirdly...I'm not an expert...but an experienced imbiber....and the one grape that gives me more problems is German Riesling...just when I think I can spot the ones I like..up pops another which should have thrilled me instead of leaving me a touch disappointed. You have to know the grower....and after spending the last 2 summers tasting a whole range and styles...Spätlese trockens being my most popular...and some Kabinett trockens depending on the property....I purchased the bottle below..this 'sounded' good.....
Result....well...maybe it is me...my fellow Blogger Kyle..who drinks a wide range of Germany's Best would maybe find the wine more to his style..he is younger and can take the acidity...but my stomach always gives me pre-warning..which I sometimes heed..but this wine seems 'tarty' at the moment...gives very little on the nose..was that a touch of cork...sniff again...if yes..then hardly noticeable...but this was a real 'pain' to drink. Only answer is....still too young....but nearly all of the 2007's....a very good vintage...have shown something in their youth.....and it's no way a bad wine...just so awkward...in the hope that we will one day be compatible..
Points 16

Saturday, September 12, 2009

A Perfect World In 10 Days

I read somewhere that the world was created in 7 days....so our planned 7 days in the Black Forest were almost perfect...until rain was forecast for a couple of days...so we asked if our room was available a little longer...and added 3 more. 10 days!!..the longest we have ever stayed at Gasthof Rebstock in Kappelrodeck-Waldulm.
Owner Karl Hodapp and his wife Sandra Stark run our favourite holiday place.....and they work VERY hard..believe me. Karl has a day off on Mondays..but then walks 15 kms to relax! After the first season with the terrace open....he has lost 4 kilos...another 10 years he reckons..then he will settle down and grow wine!!! No doubt that the kitchen staff work hard...but we only see the team in the restaurant....and Bettina, Claudi, Steffi, Ina & Moritz work long and hard..always a smile..even after 12 hours. At weekends they are on the go from 11 am to 11pm...and therefore earn their 3 days off every week. They even have to endure my humour...and a rapport makes every meal a pleasure..even before the food and wine.
Enjoy our journey...click on photos if you want the larger version.
Monday 31 August 2009
We arrived just after midday on Monday....as short walk to inspect the grapes in the vineyard and to stretch the legs after the journey..unpack...and we were on vacation. As this is our 7th visit..we feel on holiday at once. The restaurant is closed on Monday....so we decided on a place in Kappelrodeck...Prinzen's Restaurant.
It has been a warm day so we chose to sit in the garden area....a decision that got cooler as the evening wore on. The restaurant/hotel has business connection with the large wine grower Hex von Dasenstein (more later)....and I guess we were lucky that no coach load was arriving on that evening. The food was OK...although my fish in Black Forest ham...was more ham than fish..or so it seemed..too salty by far. My wife chose a Trout Blue......and as you can see..it offered some amusement! The wine list of German wines was mainly Hex...a couple of bottles of Duijn Spätburgunder..but that was all. To go with the fish.. I chose a White Burgundy.
Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet 2007
Burgundy, France
The grapes for this wine are picked from 7 different parcelles which are vinified separately and then blended. Delicate clean aroma.....perky citrus acidity..There is some oak in there..but very awkward at the moment...maybe a long open would help...I expected more from this top grower in a top vintage..but maybe time will show it better.
Points 16




Tuesday 1 September 2009
A glorious warm day....we drove the short distance to the Football Stadium..which is beautifully situated..then walked the path along the stream...my wife Eva interested in the plants and trees which have their descriptions attached.....the small park has a pond and the ducks were going about their business...then across to the other side of the Waldulmer MAIN STREET (5 strides)..up past the church and up a STEEP hill through the vineyards gleaming in the midday sun....a hat was necessary. The gorgeous view was payment and we sat munching our lunch. The rest of the day was spent recuperating..then it was down to dinner..and as the weather was still warm..we sat out on the terrace.
We tried tomato terrine (tomatoes grown next to the grapes)..and small portions of various starters...For the main course I had slices of Duck with a plum compote..and my wife chose a favourite of ours...the Quail...this time on a bed of Ratatouille. She said this was going to be a repeat order in the coming days..and I agreed (it was never to be...it was not on the menu any more during our stay).


Chateau Monbousquet 2000
St. Emilion, Bordeaux
This estate was purchased in the 1990s by Gerard Perse, a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in hypermarkets in France.He has renovated the winery and has replanted the properties vineyards and initiated a policy of low-yield farming. The wines are usually highly rated.....
Decanted...deep, dark colour...very intense cedar nose..smoke..sweet fruit..a sign of a top vintage...mocha touch...perfect balance..tar and spices....the tannins sweetish...just about ready. 13.5% alcohol never noticeable...but if a wine is well made...it never is.
Points 17.75

Wednesday 2 September 2009
With fine sunny weather...we drove through Sasbachwalden to the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road)...the views from up there are wonderful....past the Mummelsee...but there were buses everywhere...this is a tourist favourite....then drove down at the next exit..back to Kappelrodeck.
The weather still warm..so we sat outside again on the beautiful terrace. My wife and I agreed we would both have fish and change in mid-channel so to speak. Our whole family is known to order then everybody tries everybody else's meal.... A goose liver starter on a bed of pasta filled with tomato was followed by Steinbeisser (Sea Wolf) cloaked in peasant bread...and Zander (Pike) with Scollops (Scallops) cloaked in Baden Ham with Steinpilzen (Porcini). As readers will know..I have been tasting quite a few Grüner Veltliner from Austria recently....and on the wine list was a 6 year-old version..no doubt it was still on the list as no-one trusted to order. Their loss..MY GAIN.



Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor
Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2003
Donau-Wachau, Austria
Yellow gold..ripe, mature smell...a slight touch of petroleum (we petrol station freaks love this)...green pepper...gorgeous flavour..layers of fruit on the palate..stones..spicy minerals..just so 'tight'..no edges..can't ask for more..and perfect with the meal. Enjoyable.
Points 18..yes EIGHTEEN..and one of those moments in your blogger's long career of everything being just PERFECT







Thursday 3 September 2009
Our usual short drive to Durbach..and a game of mini-golf...then a walk along the stream..this time visiting a hotel & restaurant called Rebstock (they are everywhere)...and we had a coffee before heading back 'home' to OUR Rebstock.

It had started to rain..but I managed a brisk 30 minute walk in the vineyards at the rear of the hotel to take some photos..the grapes look very healthy..and should be on a par with the Vintage 2007..and I always smile at the sight of tomatoes a few yards away..delicious there are too....then back into the village...and while my wife was at the hairdressers..I took more photos...I decided this holiday to click and click....it may be a drag at times carrying my somewhat larger digi-camera...but back home you reap the rewards..
No way we could sit outside..so our usual table in the restaurant....
The wine list comprises of an extensive list of the 2000 Bordeaux vintage... and recent notes recommended this St. Julien...
Chateau Lagrange 2000
St.Julien, Bordeaux
Deep colour...long legs filling the glass..fat & rich on the nose...black liquorice flavour..lush palate...velvet feel but with a spice to it....so well balanced...and again that classic top vintage impression...a 'modern' Bordeaux..maybe thicker fruit than the 'old-school- style....the Entrecôte steak the perfect match.
Points 17.5






Friday 4 September 2009
Rain....but I knew Sunday would be better...so we extended our stay by 3 days....
I had also organized a surprise..our youngest daughter was coming down for 2 nights....she was due to arrive around 2 pm...I had to try to make sure we were back in the restaurant area around that time...so...short journey to visit Achern..then some feeble excuse about feeling peckish...the rain helped as it was no pleasure walking...so we returned to the hotel..I ordered a soup and my wife a salad...I went off to the men's room..time 1.45pm..but this was an excuse so that I could call Katharina..she said she was in traffic and it would be an hour....just as I stopped talking to her..my wife appeared..I had to make up a story about being called by a friend...and we returned to the table...Eva asked me to finish off her salad....so I ate slowly.....slowly...30 minutes passed and we chatted about everything... then after about 45 minutes I was running out of conversation topics..and was slowly..very slowly...finishing off the salad....then...at 2.45..the restaurant door behind me opened..I knew who had arrived..my wife's eyes flashed to me..then back to the door....SURPRISE!!...I quickly admitted that the call before had been me calling Katharina....man...surprises are hard work.
A table for 3 in the restaurant that evening.......and finally a Pinot (you gotta agree...I have been very good so far). Katharina & myself exchanged main courses...the Duck..and a Veal Cutlet with Steinpilz (type of Mushroom.....)

Bernhard Huber 'Wildenstein' Spätburgunder 2005
Baden, Germany
The TOP wine from this property. Intense brambly slab of Pinot..red cherry..the last time I tasted this in May 2009...it seemed more open..this time...maybe a decant should have been done..but I wanted it from the bottle....still a touch fiery..layers of fruit...a power wine on immense potential for a German red....this will age 10 years...I'll keep trying it as long as it's on the wine-list...see...how dedicated I am...
Points 17.75



Saturday 5 September 2009
Cloudy...so we thought a drive in the car... a repeat journey to the Mummelsee...we got out..bought some Black Forest Ham...but with a mist over the see...it was no pleasure to walk...remember this is high in the mountain..temperatures are much lower than where we stay. We decided to drive around..and seeing a road sign directing to Baiersbronn..I turned left..down long winding roads...to the Mecca of Baden's Gastronomy. Three top restaurants....Bareis (Michelin 2 stars)....Schlossberg (2 stars)..and Schwarzwaldstube (3 stars)...all within a few miles of each other.....there are Mercedes and Porsches everywhere....sell your soul and stay here for week! We never left the car...drove on to Freudenstadt...and decided to take a break for a snack. BIG MISTAKE. We went to a cafe in the main square....and managed to get a table across from the washrooms....Katharina ordered a coffee (a wise decision) ..I had a Potato Soup...and my wife chose a Gulasch Soup..presuming it would be home made...IT WASN'T..and it was the worst soup she had ever tasted...so we shared my Potato Soup...She wanted to go to the washroom so took the two steps.... Now..regular users of Motorway Stopovers in Germany will know how the system works....you put 50 cents into a slot..get a ticket..go through the 'gate'...which my wife did...Katharina and myself were highly amused..as we have never seen one in a cafe this far away from the motorway...the obvious reason is maybe to stop folks using the convenience and leaving the premises without buying. The ticket you get can be used when you buy food. All this is OK...if only the visitors to this cafe knew they had to pay....people were constantly returning to their table to get the appropriate coinage....and then the highlight..three elderly corpulent ladies appeared...perplexed...how to get in..have to pay we said...we were 2 yards away...one of them returned to get some money..but they only had a one-Euro piece...this was placed in the 50 cent slot...a light shone from the machine...they pressed it once..then again..they were working on the principal that if you pay double the machine will spit out two tickets and the gate will revolve twice. Needless to say..nothing happened...they tried to force the gate....but it only half moved. My wife we heard on the other side...saying she would like to get out...and she managed to by-pass the gate...the 3 ladies were larger..so no way....eventually they got in..no idea how..as Katharina and myself were in tears..from laughing so much...we kept waiting for someone to appear and say..You are on 'Candid Camera!'..it all reminded me of a verse we sang as children..
Oh dear what can the matter be
Three old ladies stuck in the lavatory
They've been there from Monday to Saturday
Nobody knew they were there.

The sun had managed to peep it's head through the clouds and the Bad Peterstal-Griesbach area was very attractive as we drove by.
The evening started with Bettina (Snow White we call her) bringing a wine to the table..Hex von Dasenstein 1976..saying if it is good..it was on the house...she opened it...and the colour was OK...brown rimmed...but the smell was strange...although it did improve..the taste reminded me of a dry port..caramel...this was a 'Spätlese'..a 'Trocken' would not have lasted this long Herr Hodapp told me a few days later....but not a wine I wanted all evening....
Anyway..I had decided on the Schneider
Bettina and Herr Hodapp had mentioned the day before that they had the Schneider 2007..I was sure I had drank it in May 2009...and I bet her a bottle of Riesling. Checking my blog on the net... I lost....it had been the Gantenbein 2007.
The food we chose was Quail cutlet and the Lamb in a coat of Goat's Cheese.




R & C Schneider Spätburgunder 2007
'Parzelle Schönenberg'
Baden, Germany
Thick cream...strong Raspberry...spicy and quite evolved....that's all you get....we were still laughing about the three ladies...
Points 17.25







Sunday 6 September 2009
Gorgeous weather again....so a LONG walk through the vineyard (warm)..and then through the woods (cool)...and before Katharina set off back home..a light lunch on the terrace. As we sat and drank coffee..I divulged in a fine Havana cigar.
In the evening...Eva and I decided we would sit inside..it had cooled a little..and she chose the Grilled Local Trout..and I the Meeräsche (Grey Mullet).







Salwey Oberrotweiler Henkenberg Grauburgunder G.G.2007
Baden, Germany
The 2006 was the best Grau I have ever had..so I was looking forward to the 2007. Fatter I think you could say...the bouquet of pears and quince...ripe fruit..slightly sweetish..sweet grapefruit seemed about right..and these wines show better next day....which doesn't help me...intense melons..and again that Restsüß of a Grosses Gewächs at the finish.
Points 17.5




Monday 7 September 2009
Woke up..and thought..we would have been packing today.....but now we have another 3 days! Wonderful feeling.The restaurant closes Monday (which you will know from the start of this mamoth post)..so we decided we would eat on our balcony. At breakfast I orderded the wine...popped it in our fridge..and we set off to Strassburg..to visit the legendary 'Les Halles'. It has been a while..and back then there were small stalls everywhere..with wine and food. There are still shops with clothing...bakeries and some eateries....but the main area we wanted was now a 'Simply Supermarket'. We purchased some bread from a bakery....took ages to get out of Strassburg (red lights every three cars)..and went to the Supermarket in Achern..which we know well..they have an excellent range of fresh products..and bought some Serrano ham and a selection of cheeses.
DZ Danner Riesling Type 3 2007
Baden, Germany.
The property had to change their name...from Cristalin...I have been informed that pressure from a Champagne house was the reason...have they nothing else to do?
Alexander Danner is a young grower from Durbach...he ages his Riesling in oak. This had for me..that stomach churning acidity that never appeals. A touch of petroleum....earlier than most at this age..no doubt from the oak influence....half a bottle was enough.It's all their for the future..minerals and back fruit..but as I say...hard work at the moment.
Points 15.5


The 'break' did us good..the next two days we really looked forward to the food again...our palates revived.

Tuesday 8 September 2009
A visit to a local wine merchant to purchase a few odd bottles...a Riesling was also obtained for that lost bet..and then through Bühl..a pleasant small town south of Baden-Baden. My body was just starting to appreciate the holiday..so lazed and lazed all afternoon....until the phone rang and Rebstock owner..Karl Hodapp said he had 30 minutes..so we sat on the terrace and chatted. What shall I drink tonight was one question...and as I send a glass of everything I drink into the kitchen for him to try...he ain't gonna give me bad information!
We sat outside..which was fine for the first course..and was not so fine as the main course arrived..the wine cooled as well....
Brunello di Montalcino
Tenuta Valdicava di Vincenzo Abbruzzese 2001
Riserva 'Madonna del piano'
Tuscany, Italy
Deep..with a trace of brown on the rim...glass full of 'tears'..no doubt Madonna's at the thought of another 8 hour training session instead of growing old gracefully..oh no...this is the other Madonna....OK...the nose offered mixed berries..and some meat..cool on the palate...the usual curranty flavour..soft, biting tannins...but well integrated into the earthy fruit. This was a 'yes, no, yes, no' wine for me.....I appreciate what it brings...but expect more for what you pay. Mr. Parker gives it 100 Points (he drinks too few Spätburgunder).. I would give it 93 if I used his sytem..as it is...I will award it
17.5 Points

Wednesday 9 September 2009
Just drove around ....bought some apples by the roadside..visited the Waldulmer Winzergenossenschaft( Co-op)...bought some wine..actually...I had received a fax at dinner on Saturday from friend Volker..asking for 6 bottles...I took some more photos as I waiting for Eva to get ready..and saw that a small wedding party had arrived....the date had decided it..09.09.09. May the groom never forget his anniversary.

The weather had been great all day...and we risked the terrace again..a good choice...the evening sun going down..the cockerel disappearing into the darkness..we chose some highlights to eat...and a 'greeting' from the kitchen appeared (one of many over the ten days)..a favourite this time for my wife..a cucumber terrine.
What better way to finish than with a Spätburgunder..this wine I had enjoyed May 2008.
Bernhard Huber Hecklinger Schlossberg
'R' Reserve Spätburgunder 2005
Baden, Germany
This is next on the pecking list after the Wildenstein. The vines are betwen 20 & 40 years old. Spends 18 months in new oak. Dry cherries....earthiness...but with lovely ripe thick fruit...this is more forward than the 'Wildenstein'. The fruit was more raspberry on the palate..but that shows the complexity of the wine. Fruit driven....just about perfect...
Points 18


Not mentioned...but there are a selection of 'taster' desserts...small portions...my wife holds back with her food choices...so that she can try a few...I help out if I can....

Thursday 11 September 2009
Just before we left Herr Hodapp asked if I could come into the restaurant...he had a surprise. Hans-Bert Espe was paying a visit..co-owner of the Shelter Winery...he kindly presented me with a bottle of the 2007 Vintage.....

and this is where the story ends................................