Pairs

Comparisons can be hard on the 'lesser' of the two...just because the brunette is drop-dead-gorgeous does not mean the pretty blond one is ugly! The first example is two bottles from a property in the Pfalz...where we had arrived at the property just before midday to be told by an elderly lady that everyone was at lunch. The harvest was in full flow and the polish workers who maybe started at 7am....were obviously hungrier 'earlier' than we were. Only with insisting she ask someone did I obtain some 2007 vintages.










Meßmer Spätburgunder Schlossgarten 2007 Pfalz, Germany
Already showing it's sweet fruit vintage...trace of marzipan...cinnamon...some wood but reserved...a trace of tobacco...well-balanced...pleasure now...but leave it a year or two.
Points 17.25
Meßmer St. Laurent 2007
Pfalz, Germany
Aromatic...sour cherries...restrained...a little one-dimensional...herby...and gentle oak. Cherry fruit again on the palate...no great length...just not getting there....
Points 16.5
So...the SB won this competition...but it costs € 24,--
and the St.Laurent costs € 16,--.

A Smoked Salmon Salad.....








Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling 2006
Kamptal, Austria
Next up...a Riesling from Hirsch...the Gaisberg vineyard 2005 had been impressive. With the memory of the Hirsch Heiligenstein 2006 still with me...this seemed less powerful...awkward even...pear aroma...minerals...but compared to the 'Brunette'...this pretty blond was left standing at the alter.
Points 16.75
PS....the rest of the 'blond' was tried 2 days later...surely not Botox!?...but most certainly more rounded and acceptable...knitted together and giving the 'other' woman a run for her money.
Points 17.25


Last one up...to accommodate a juicy Steak with Ratatouille.









Claus Schneider Weiler Schlipf Spätburgunder trocken CS 2007
Baden, Germany
The 'better' vintage...and the last bottle...but it has not convinced me that it is better than the 2006 version. Delicate strawberry fruit...and some soft chewy tannins....
Points 16.5