GV, SB, PN & Syrah

Local wine merchant Robert had some wines he wanted to taste with his buddies. Friend Volker would cook and Volker's wife Stefi would add her 'female expertise'
We have found that the fairer sex do have a way of describing wines that we males sometimes miss.
Robert told us...2 whites and 2 reds were the evening's drinking. 4 Regions, 4 different Vintages and 4 different Grapes.










Martin Nigl Grüner Veltliner
Privat Reserve 2009
Kremstal, Austria
I am ashamed to say I didn't think GV....Grauburgunder maybe. Smoky herby aromas. Pear fruit...spicy...touch of mango...should age well
Points 16.25









Sattlerhof Sauvignon Blanc
Kranachberg Große Lage 2008
Sütsteiermark, Austria
No difficulty with the grape here...and thankfully no overdone cat's pee. Green yellow colour...and then the honeyed exotic Grapefruit smell...goes on for as long as you want it to. If you are expecting a full-bodied continuation...then you would be disappointed at the first sip. This showed a steeliness that surprises...and minerals abound.
A second glass was fuller as it aired and it was lively throughout and a fine long finish. As Robert said...Streiermark is where you gotta go for top Sauvignon Blanc.
Points 17.25

Schloss Halbturn Pinot Noir 2006
Neusiedlersee, Austria
Strange...I have just bought a 2003 of this wine... and the 2005 was excellent. It pleases everytime and this is no exception. As the two whites had been revealed we seemed to be remaining in Austria (wrong...as you will read below) and I guessed Pinot Noir....which should be no problem with what I drink regularly. This went very well with the food (Rouladen)....creamy vanilla rising from the glass...with some ripe cherries and a leathery smokiness. Very attractive nose...and it moves smoothly onto the palate.The gentle sweet fruit is accompanied by a refreshing juiciness. Could drink this every day.
Points 17.25


Lillian Whitehawk Syrah 2007
California, U.S.A.
Now...as we had been lured into the trap...I was guessing at Blaufränkisch...thinking it the only grape type left in Austria that could maybe produce the intensity...certainly could not be Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
It was then Robert gave us the tip...that he had said..'Regions'...and had not stipulated that only ONE country was involved. We headed abroad...and ended up in the U.S.of A.
Lillian is a limited production project by Maggie Harrison, a former apprentice at Sine Qua Non. From winery: This is a blend of 78.6% White Hawk Vineyard, 9.6% Stolpman Vineyard and 11.8% Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah. It spent 21 months in 82.4% new French oak.
Marzipan and cinnamon bouquet...there is plenty of oak in there...I guessed 83% (smile)...powerful...evolving...some eucalyptus. This had been decanted...and the palate showed quite forward...lots of juices revolving and a delicious length. I was offered the last glass from the bottle...and it showed it's teeth with a gritty tannic bite...what a difference the decant made.
Points 17.75
Small point...what is the point of a front label that you can't read!