And on the third day.......here some notes on two whites..very different in style....Day 1
Bertrand Darviot Meursault
Château de la Velle 2007Burgundy, FranceI used to drink lots of Meursault...about 20 years ago when it seemed readily available. It was my favourite white Burgundy. It seems to have disappeared (into cellars of rich new wine lovers) or maybe the French don't let us have it anymore. I remember some Coche-Dory that was unforgettable. A recent Decanter article stating that the 2007 vintage was to bee's knees (a saying my mum uses to say the best).. I tried to find some..and this bottle was found.Green tinges...steely...the usual nuttiness..very approachable..and with some citrus..good..but didn't exactly have me running back for more.Points 16.25Day 2
Franz PragerGruner Veltliner Smaragd Achleiten 2007Wachau, AustriaMmmmmmm...this is good...classic GV in that it is slap-bang in the middle as styles go. Spicy, minerally..and a touch of ripe banana sweetness...cream and crackle...loads of white pepper feel to this one..and a fine finish.Points 17.5Day 3Tried the remains of the Meursault again...and found some nuances that I had missed...and thought maybe Points 16.5.I then tried the rest of the Grüner Veltliner and the poor Meursault got blown away!
When it is snowing outside...and very cold...a German traditional dish (the French also have a version) is ideal...Sauerkraut! Now...most people take a step back....but after 35 years in Germany...there is not much I don't eat. I like it when served with liver and blood 'würst' (sausage to you!). The ideal liquid companion..is a Riesling. I like my Sauerkraut not TOO sauer...and my Riesling also not TOO sour. What better than a Grosse Gewächs from the recently released 2008 vintage.
Schäfer Fröhlich Schloßböckelheimer FelsenbergRiesling 2008Nahe, GermanyThe intense nose throws up ripe pears...this is racy but also correctly balanced...even at this age it never falls behind..surprisingly forward...heaps of minerals..flinty...with an underlying creaminess...a salty touch throughout...the Sauerkraut thanked it. If you have a bottle of this....leave it another year maybe....and order a plate of the above....Points 17.25
Grüner Veltliner ages...no doubting that...but the wine below is just so right now....Leo Alzinger Gruner VeltlinerSmaragd Mühlpoint 2007Wachau, AustriaLight yellow with green tinges...a smell of ripe apples..some nuttiness...and a touch of cheese...the palate gives you tongue tickling minerals...a healthy acidity wraps the pear and apple fruit ...this has a slate feeling..a
nd the usual white pepper...and as always...with a day's airing..continues to please.I have to give this the same total as it costs in Euros....excellent valuePoints 16.75
As a child my mum told me to eat my 'greens'(vegetables)...so I would grow up strong.It is the fluid 'greens' that interest me nowadays....Old and new......the first of about 15 GV's I have purchased....they age...no doubting that...
F. X. Pichler Grüner VeltlinerSmaragd Kellerberg 2003Wachau, AustriaElegant smokey aroma...pears..the palate is RICH...creamy texture....and the alcohol is very noticeable(14%)...2003 was a HOTTY....I drank half then had to leave it...sometimes you like this..then it is a sip too much...next day...first sip..has this toned-down?...think so..then it hits you again...the love-hate relationship of this one makes it difficult to appraise..is it the vintage?..or the 'intense' Pichler style?.... I have a 2002 to try....which may be better balanced...Points 16.75
Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Kammerner Lamm 2007Kamptal, AustriaSteely...yes....white pepper tones....pears...some wood showing...but the balance is very good..and the fruit is popping it's head up...just starting to show itself in a very good light....next day...it had filled out..the GV sweetness..green minerals(I know it's not true...but it just feels like they are green)...taste of sweet pineapple...silky....Points 17
Spontinuety brings rewards.....4.30 pm...a call from friend Volker...he was alone and was going to our local eatery....did I fancy joining him...the thought of two good bottles, some fine food and friendly banter made me say yes..so he brought the white...and I drew the red out of my cellar.
Dilectum 2007Rueda, SpainThis is 100% Verdejo...a barrique wine ..8 months in total...the nose is a touch grassy and some smoke...vanilla is noticeable...has a 'slabby' feel...but with nice acidity..some minerals..and a well-balanced easy-to-drink example...Points 16.5
Friedrich Becker
Kammerberg Spätburgunder G.G. 2006Pfalz, Germany'Jump in and drown aroma'..truffles...spices...adorable..trace of cherries.....just so much cream and charm...no tannins...can it age?...will it get the chance?....I doubt it...a touch finer than the Sankt Paul...some would say that € 45,-- for a German red wine is too high..they should wash their mouth out with soap and water...the same quality in France would cost twice as much. Bravo Herr Becker!Points 18
The title reminded me of this 60's classic....back when people could sing and there was a melody! Los Bravos.The Luckerts believe in tradition...but they don't belong to the Franken Wine Authority...they choose their own way...and that is shown by this wine. Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot...not the norm for this area...Weingut Zehnthof Luckert Grand Noir *** Tafelwein 2005Franken, GermanyI suppose the name should have pre-warned me..I just pesumed it was a name......but the colour was inky black..opaque! The aroma gives an impression of coolness..minerals..hidden spices...
and on the palate pretty much the same.....if you are drinking this now...down it quickly with friends..because it grew more aggressive with airing..and next day became a real 'biter'..the depth and tannins telling you not to touch him too early. No chance of that...the wine is sold out! A rarity indeed....Points 17.5