Liquid Wages

I have been back just over a week...and the body is slowly realising it has to work to pay for the wines it is given. Here a few of the 'liquid' wages I have been paid this week.

Schloss Gobelsburg
Grüner Veltliner Lamm 2009
Kamptal, Austria
No way a layed-back wine...this has power...lots of 'up-front' fruit...a little awkward...definite caramel aroma...and some toast...nutty...ripe yellow apples...hidden minerals...which showed better 2 days later. Give this a couple of years and you will be rewarded.
Points 17...with a definite upward tendence.






Gut Nägelsförst Pinot Noir 2005
Baden, Germany
The „Gut Nägelsförst” estate is located in Varnhalt, on the outskirts of Baden-Baden (Ortenau area) in the Baden wine-growing region in Germany. The red wines are all sourced from the Waldulmer Pfarrberg site, which is where our Gasthaus Rebstock is situated....and from the neighbouring Bühlertal valley, which is particularly suited for red wines, as the mountain formation collects the heat. In order to make the most of the tremendous potential of these sites, yields for the top red wines, are kept, where possible, to a level below 20 hectolitres per hectare. The Pinot Noir wines are matured in barriques, mostly of French oak, with 50 to 60% of the barriques being new. The first of many reds I bought on the recent holiday. From the north and there is a more earthy style to it. Dark berry and cherry is what you get from the glass...a touch of oak...cool in character...juicy...cedar...dry smoke..this improved well in the glass...the initial empty middle palate filled with soft strawberry fruit. Will improve surprisingly...
Points 16.5

Off to the local Bistro to meet up with the children... and took along 2 recent buys ...again from Baden. It was going to be a fairly rowdy meeting...we ain't quiet when we meet...so a Bistro who know us is the best place. Good fun was had by all. I don't take any BIG wines along...and the two I chose had both been given 88 points by Gault Millau. If I had the chance...try to compare them.
It turned out to be not that easy...as...as I said...we laugh a lot and wine becomes secondry. Just a few notes I made...and remember...both these wines under € 10,--

Hofgut Consequence
Blauer Burgunder 2008
Baden, Germany
Dry, eathy, spicy...liquorice in the mouth with a nice gentle tannin bite. Perfect Pizza wine or with the kids (all in their 40's) in a Bistro!
Points 16










Hermann Spätburgunder 2008
Baden, Germany
This was softer and more rounded....and really completely different to the above. Maybe not too much going on...was nevertheless real value for money.
Points 16










Alphart Rotgipfler Rodauner
Top Selektion 2009
Thermen Region, Austria
Never had the grape?...me neither. Rotgipfler sounds red...but is a white...and what a white. The nose throws up aromas of pear...and is very Burgundian...bananas, mangoes...very exotic. It spends some time in new oak...and all the above evolves seamlessly onto the palate....compact bundle of minerals rolling around the mouth...salty even......delicious...and always something new to find. Beautiful harmony here. Am I getting to easy to please?...or all my recent white wines just hitting the 'spot?
Points 18....buy this if you see it




Zenhthof Luckert
Grand Noir *** 2007
Franken, Germany
It is what is says on the label....BLACK...and I remembered I had the 2005 a few years ago...and scared a baby when I grinned. This leaves it's colour in the system for 24 hours. A Cuvée of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. This is a BIG wine...meaning complex and not a heavyweight. One thing remains throughout...a coolness. Cassis, of course, dominates the nose.. and there are super layers of dark fruit...dark chocolate...tobacco...and can be enjoyed now, maybe with a juicy steak...but the second bottle will be put away for 5 years.
Points 17.5....more to come