Sunday 11th November was St. Martins's Day...the Patron Saint of Geese is the clever answer.
On Monday the 12th our local Bistro were doing the traditional bit...and 4 of us were confronted by a large bird with red cabbage and dumplings.
I can't remember ever remembering a good version...but this feathered friend was very tender...and enjoyed by all.
I had been off the juice for 2 weeks...and had received a case of reds from Nelles just before the 'diet' started.
Two bottles were taken along to swill things down.
Nelles Ruber
Spätburgunder 2009
Ahr, Germany
Strawberry nose...vibrant young fruit with cherries to follow...almonds and some coffee
Points 16.5
The next step up on the Nelles range
Nelles B
Spätburgunder 2008
Ahr, Germany
Again the strawberry Pinot smell...more thickness on the palate...full and extended.
Points 17.25
A couple of days later...not able to resist anymore...the top of the range wine
Nelles B-52
Spätburgunder 2009
Ahr, Germany
Delicious fruit with vanilla notes. The wine spends 15 months in Barrique...great weight in the mouth and excellent length.
Top wine.
Points 17.75
A spontaneous visit to the local eatery...Mitch...before...into my wine cellar...grabbed a bottle I knew would please...just wanted to sit, eat, read and relax.
Always a board with daily offers...and I like Squid / Octopus...and this was fresh.
The lady owner knows I always take lamb...but I was determined to try something else. Saw the board...she grinned...I nodded...and took the Lamb Carré in a Mustard Crust...and the fresh sliced potato chips were a perfect neutral partner.
The wine was a 'find' a few years ago...I had visited the property...and you could tell that there was potential. Nice to get there before the big boys.
Gault Millau is currently giving good marks...have increased their marking from 2 to 3 bunches of grapes and has voted the property 'Aufsteiger' (fast climber) status.
The 2008 Vintage was very good in Baden...something often forgotten between the hyped years 2007 and 2009.
Konstanzer Ihringer Winkleberg
Spätburgunder Spätlese Barrique 2008
Baden, Germany
Horst and Petra Konstanzer started back in 1983 with less than a Hectare...and over the last years have increased to the total of nine nowadays. A property to watch in Kaiserstuhl.
The oak is layed-back...lingers in the background and draws you into the glass to find traces of almonds and bay leaves. Elegant soft earthy fruit and enticing juicy flavour...mild and natural...very 2008...so terroir plays a role here...and the price only adds to it's pluses. This ONLY costs € 20,--. Grab the 2010 at € 21,--
Points 17.25
