Let Your Friend Choose The Wine

A warm summer evening..and friend Volker came over for dinner. My wife promised him 'something simple' but it never works out that way. Once she starts....








I led him into the cellar
1. So he could decide the white....he chose the GV over a 1989 Riesling from Alsace
2. To browse the Pinot Noir / Spätburgunder section...choose what he wanted.
I returned after 10 minutes...and he mentioned the Schmitt's Kinder.
Now...I have been mulling over drinking my last bottle for a few months now...but always thought...'drink it with somebody'
Why not tonight....? The wine had been a Pinot Cup winner in 2006 alongside a Gantenbein 2004! I had called the property and managed to buy 2 bottles


Someone wrote recently on the net that they liked GV's but it was difficult to fit them in a fridge. I don't have that problem. Part of the mid-tray opens up to make room for long slim bottles. Dedicated GV drinkers have to buy a new fridge!
Knoll Grüner Veltliner
Vinothekfüllung Smaragd 2004
Wachau, Austria
All you can ask for from this grape....creamy without any overweight...soft spices...slightly peppery...richly extracted...nutty...just delicious with both starters..and à point at the moment.
Points 17.25






Schmitts Kinder
Randersackerer Sonnenstuhl
Spätburgunder trocken „S“ 2004
Franken, Germany
Gorgeous perfumed aroma...fine...elegant ...cherries..persistant...very seductive..medium full velvety mouthful...so much charm...liquid marzipan with a juicyness to set the taste buds off...and a long finish. I doubt the property have bettered this...and if I had another bottle I could enjoy it in 5 years. Blame Volker!
Points 17.75

French Competition

France is the home of Pinot Noir. Great wines from Burgundy. A recent evening had some from the competition. Why mention France then?.....read on dear readers.
Frustated by the poor initial games from the World Cup....two friends invited me for dinner. I took along two wines....an Austrian and a German.

The food was, as usual, full of interest and 'lecker' (delicious).

Some 'Frikadellen' (Rissoles to you!)...spicy and tasty.
The main course...fresh local Chicken, Dal & Pak Soy.

A white offered by Volker...purchased from a holiday in the Wachau...was readily accepted.

Johann Donabaum Grüner Veltliner
Spitzer Point Federspiel 2009
Wachau, Austria
Delightfully fresh...reminded me of an Apfelwein Schorle (cider with a dash of fizzy water). It is lively...some aromatics...nicely weighted...12.5 %....it fairly 'prickles' on the palate...''Spritzer' would have been very appropriate instead of Spitzer.
Points 15.5

The vintage 2003 I remember well in Europe. HOT, HOT, HOT!
I often sat in my office in bathing trunks. They said this was the future....but it has never repeated itself.
Hot vintages can be very difficult for growers....too much heat...too much alcohol.
Schloss Halbturn Pinot Noir 2003
Burgenland, Austria
I had tried the 2005 about 18 months ago...very good indeed. When this earlier vintage popped up on Ebay...I grabbed it. Intriguing aromas...almost too difficult to pinpoint...slightly funky...farmyard...wild cherry...whatever...really very fine smell. The success continues onto the palate...where you get a real juiciness...a gentle tannin grip...still some well-bound acidity....minerals...are you guessing I liked this?....you'd be right.
Points 17.75





Dr. Heger Achkarrer Schlossberg
Spätburgunder *** Spätlese trocken 2003
Baden, Germany
To be honest... I expected something a touch different...but this showed many similarities to the Austrian. Lighter colour...and some animal aromas...and the juices again. The strawberry & raspberry I expected...were hovering. Maybe a touch roasted oak. The heat of the vintage is nowhere to be seen, heard or tasted. It was maybe a yard behind the Austrian...but with airing was making up the distance. The finishing line came...and it only made
Points 17.5

A we sipped the last drops...we decided to risk watching the evening game of soccer. Mexico versus France. Great viewing...and the French lost. A good thing I hadn't risked a Burgundy...it was not their night...and the competition was top-class.

Day & Night

Summer is here....well...some days it is...and the Soccer World Cup has started. After 4 days of watching every(boring) game....the first sight of sunshine and I was out in the garden. The soccer will get better when the minnows are gone....and the vuvuzelas are quieter. Two evenings spent outside...with a slight breeze threatening to tip my glass over. The wines...like day and night.



First night....and my wife makes Hamburgers you can try to eat with your hands...but only if you have a mouth like a hippopotamus. Knife and fork for us normal people...eat your heart out McDonalds!
Luis Pato Vinha Pan 2005
Beiras, Portugal
Dark, brooding colour...stern...deep fruit...tannic grip...but no sexiness. Like the dark nights of winter. I could not get into this...and ended up watching the evening game of soccer
Points 16









Less breeze this night...and a bottle presented to my by Karl Hodapp at the end of our recent holiday. It is on his wine-list...I just never got round to trying it. He promised it was good...and it is. Just perfect with Veal Schnitzel and new potatoes.
Ewald Kopp Spätburgunder trocken 'S' 2007
Baden, Germany
A property that gets better and better...
The best wines are matured in new barriques for up to 24 months.
This is a wine that compares itself to bright long days.
Just delicious...a lovely whiff...aromatic...dark fruits...cherries...perfect weight...delicate...
you could almost 'gulp' this...don't you dare...not when I am looking...touch of acidity to liven up a rounded finish.
Points 17.25

Wine & Water

Hotel Restaurants are usually a no-no! The reason for our visit to Favorite in Mainz was on the recommendation of fellow blogger Alex.
There was a new wind blowing....with Tim Meierhans now in charge of all things edible.

Six of us arrived on a Sunday evening....My wife & I, our eldest daughter and husband-to-be and the parents of my godchild. The photo is my daughter & I...yes...I know it is hard to believe...but we are not the same age!
Weather outside...slightly cloudy skies...so the chance of sitting out on the terrace were null. Frau Abend is in charge of the restaurant and the staff were well drilled. We ordered menus and A La Carte...but it was no problem for Frau Abend....very flexible.

I had received the wine-list per email...2 days in advance....this saves me getting impatient looks from fellow guests...although....they know it is worth the wait. So....the Sommelier arrived...and I showed her my list...and the four wines were decided. Now...the whole evening the general consensus of opinion was...really excellent food....across the board...it is not cheap here...but quality abounds...and it was a complete success.
Why am I giving kudos up front.....?....well....here we go.
Two things always annoy me in top restaurants. Firstly...the constant filling up of water glasses...even when they are 2/3 full...we know why of course....at € 8,-- a bottle...there is profit to make. I have learned to live with this. My problem this evening was....I said to Frau Kantwerk...the Sommelier … as were were finished ordering...'I have 2 wishes...please don't fill the white wine glasses with too much wine..as it is warm here in the restaurant..and..only fill them when the glass is empty'. It makes sense...and all seemed clear. You think so?....The second part was managed...BUT....the first wine arrived...I was given a small drop to taste...then on to our guests...and guess what...mighty drops into the glass...and even after the first...I said..not so much...but it seemed it was something strange for them. The second bottle of white had been decanted...and the same procedure....it got to the point where we passed the glass from guest to guest to share out. Now...I'm not saying they filled to the brim...let's make that clear...BUT...it was a warm evening...and 5 minutes in the glass...etc. As one guest said...'it seems the learning curve of the lady is low'. Maybe the 'water system' was in use.....fill up the glasses in the hope we sell more. At first it was annoying...then irritating...and as we left..I pointed it out to Frau Abend. Next time....bottle next to the table...I will serve the wines. Which brings me to marks for the whole evening. Food, wine-list etc. 8 out of 10....so you see...we enjoyed it...just that some people have 'cloth ears' as the saying goes...and don't listen.
And so to the wines...not too much noted as the conversation was priority.

Eric & Walter Polz Hochgrassnitzberg Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Steiermark, Austria
It had been a choice between Sabathi's Pössnitzberg 2007 or this one. The 2007 was now the 2008...so that decided it. With all the New World SB's around...I have to admit I am wary ordering the grape. That 'over-done' gooseberry is not what appeals. The other question here was....too young?...and therefore not a good opening for our guest. No worries though...an aromatic opening...intense grassy smell...pineapples....yes...and gooseberry...but nicely done...juicy with good filling....it was just lovely...and has loads of things telling you this will also age.
Points 16.75



Keller Westhofen Kirchspiel Riesling trocken GG 2008
Rheinhessen, Germany
This had been decanted...which was just as well...because otherwise it would have been more closed. Potential...and maybe should have been tried before the Polz. A layer of smells and flavours....grapefruit, citrus....and the palate shows minerality extreme. At the moment ...a racy youth...and bound for a long mature future...but not easy at the moment. Alex had tried the 2007 and commented very positively...but...he is a lover of young Riesling. Difficult to appraise with the meal...At the moment....
Points 16.75
Maybe the lesser wine 'Von der Fels' 2008 would have been a better choice for the evening.




Kuhn Mandelberg Spätburgunder trocken Barrique2006
Pfalz, Germany
There were a few wines on the list that I had already tried...and this was one of them.
I knew what I was getting here. So full of aroma...strwaberry and marzipan...still a touch firm...but good Pinot needs that tannin to
show it's very best. Creamy..and it evolves in
the glass...exciting wine.
Points 17.75









Karl Johner Spätburgunder SJ trocken 2002
Baden, Germany
The memory of a memorable 2003 drank a couple of years ago...urged me to try this...although...at the back of my mind I was a little tentative. I maybe should have listened to that little guy back there. Not dead yet...but the sweet fruit is becoming a little 'mouldy'...no doubt a decent drink a couple of year ago...
Points 15








Those were the four wines...but the poor showing of the Johner meant a quick decision...
and there was a very good selection of cheeses....and we tried all of them.
They cried out for a Bordeaux....so I chose the German version.
Knipser Cuvee X 2005
Pfalz, Germany
A year ago with friends...I opened my last bottle of the 2003 vintage...which was suberb.
Talking to them recently..they told me they had purchased a double magnum and had drank it at Christmas. It was ages away from maturity....which...is normal in a large bottle. This 2005 in the usual size....is very good indeed...but needs maybe 2 years to attain the 2003 standard. Deep opaque colour...power...sweet cassis nose...packed with fruit...long...and with substance. The cheese needed this...and this needed the cheese.
Points 17.25

Durbacher Buys

Following our break in Baden....it was time to open a few of the wines purchased.
The first four are from Durbach......the last from Kappelrodeck.

Alexander Danner has some mouth-puckering Riesling on offer...but only for the real masochists at the moment...lay them down if you have a touchy stomach.
Danner DZ Pinot Noir Barrique No. 3
Baden, Germany
Brick red...delicate style...the nose was a little backward...but slowly filtered out of it's shell...trace of liquorice...very much an individual style...if you are looking for comparisons then Mercury in France would be my choice. Soft vanilla from the oak...enjoyable but maybe a little overpriced at €26,--
Points 16.5

Heinrich Männle Durbacher Kochberg
Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken Barrique 2007
Baden, Germany
The thing that struck me about all four of the wines over a few days...there was an individuality about them...no 'over-use' of oak...and especially with this wine...the hand of the grower and the grape agreeing what the end product should be. A Bordeaux-shaped bottle...and strangely...the first impression was in that direction...but this because of the style...fragrant enticing aroma...coolness...earthy with a touch of oak...we could become good friend...Männle & I...liked this very much. Cost from the property € 26,--
Points 17

Weingut Schwörer Durbacher Plauelrain
Spätburgunder Barrique 2007
Baden, Germany
Rather untypical....rustic style...dried almonds came to mind from the glass...very 'dark' berries...backbone....a slightly austere feel....missing a little 'sexiness'...hey...that is what Pinot is all about! Well priced though ...€ 10,--
Points 16

Weingut Graf Wolff Metternich
Durbacher Schloßberg
Spätburgunder Auslese
Barrique trocken 2007
Baden, Germany
The label is is even more difficult for the foreigners...Gräflich Wolf Metternich'sches Weingut....but hey...it's what is in the bottle that counts. Thirty minutes is all it needed to show an intense strawberry nose...depth here...filled out with every sip...the fruit layered nicely...very Burgundian...was just behind the Männle as regards my favourite of the bunch.
Price was € 26,--
Points 16.75

and the final one...from Kappelrodeck

Tobias Köninger Pinot Noir
Reserve trocken 2007
Baden, Germany
The normal bottle of Pinot Noir 2007 is delicious and easy at € 9,--
The harvest took place on 28 October 2007...all grapes hand-picked according to Tobias. It's time before bottling...17 months... was spent in new French Limousin Oak. This has surprisingly an 'aged' bouquet...tangy Pinot...good concentration of flavour...minerals...medium bodied...soft spices....and at € 15,--...good value.
Points 16.25

Parker Pointed Grüner Veltliner

Ebaying again....and maybe GV's are still unknown among the 'community'..three bottles for € 27,--...can't complein eh .
I bid for this on the back of hearing Robert Parker (or whoever tasted in his name) gave it 94.

Normally I wouldn't be interested in the marking...but was inquisitive to know what the lover of heavier styles would think of this grape.

Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner Federspiel im Weingebirge 2007
Wachau, Austria
Straw yellow...flowery...elegant...needed coaxing...this doesn't leap out of the glass....there is some thirst quenching acidity...and the fruit just lies easily on the palate...this is certainly no blockbuster....white pepper....with a spicy 'spritzig' finish.
94 Points...is too high...certainly at the moment...but these GV's develop beautifully..so the other 2 bottles will be put away for a while.
Points 16.5

Return To The Rebstock

Another visit to our favourite place.
Why do we go back?
Well...same boss...Karl Hodapp and his wife Sandra Stark.
Same great team...Bettina, Claudi and the rest.
Same great food. Same great wine-list.
Need I go on?
It is an easy 2 hour drive to get there...and we are on holiday when we see the place!
Booking in advance is essential...but you can't plan the weather....but we never got wet.
As I sit here preparing this MASSIVE post...the sun is shining...grrrrr....and I am thinking..if only I had a laptop...then I could have done the report daily. My wife has only just got used to me taking photos of anything on the dinner table...the thought of me typing between courses would have driven her nuts....I would have been given salted food or watered wine....so...it is pen & paper at the dinner table...

Wednesday 12 May 2010
We arrived early afternoon...unpacked...I obtained the wine-list.....(see photo)...and my wife checked out the food. The first thing I saw was some wonderful additions of Spätburgunder from the 2007 vintage. This meant I would not be repeat-drinking anything from the last visit. I decided there & then to try a 'newbie' every evening. The things I do for you readers...ah well... no pain, no gain!!!








Snail soup....a selection of tasters...'Angelschellfisch'...and the Duck

Weingut Freiherr von Gleichenstein
Oberrotweiler Eichberg
Spätburgunder trocken Barrique 2007
Baden, Germany
Whew!!!!...just imagine telling a friend what you drank last night.....easy for me.....but non-German speakers would probably say 'A Red from Germany'.
Well...it is worth more effort than that. The property is making big strides...and the whole range is excellent. This is the first SB I have had from this grower......and is a delicious delicate wine...strawberry and some caramel from the smell...the young 'barrique' just hovering....earthy...dry cherry on the palate...'spritely' fruit...soft, slightly burnt touch....
Points 17.5 - 17.75

Thursday 13 May 2010
It rained...well...drizzled...most of the day...but that was OK.....we lazed.....







Warm 'Foie Gras' on Pasta filled with Rhubarb.....Lamb...and the Quail.

Weingut Bercher Burkheimer Feuerberg
Spätburgunder 'Großes Gewächs' 2007
Baden, Germany
I had chosen the Molitor from the Mosel...but it had not arrived...so decided on Bercher. Some styles please at once....others need time. A 2003 a few years ago left me a little disappointed...and this needs time to convince me it can be a favourite property on my list. Dark sour cherry...and some new oak...the tannins are easy..then there is a touch of 'fire'(Feuerberg)...very appropriately named. A wine with potential....it just seems disjointed at the moment
Points 17.25



Friday 14 May 2010
A better day...weather-wise.....time to take in that air.....






Frothy Soup from Clover...Terrine of Green Asparagus with Pikeperch & Scallop...Radish Terrine with Fried Scallops and some very fine Kid(young goat)

Weingut Friedrich Becker
Pinot Noir trocken 2007
Pfalz, Germany
Karl Hodapp had a few additions...non-Baden wines. The Molitor I mentioned....a Franken Wine...
and two from this top property in the Pfalz. The 2007 Sankt Paul I have at home...and this Pinot Noir is like gold dust...and was voted the top new Germany red...EVER....97 Points!
I asked for a decant...and it helped...the raspberry aroma hitting you at once...like a liqueur...dark colour...then the dark cherry took over....but I still insist I caught a trace of raspberry. Classy...good tannic backbone...the Sankt Paul is a smoothy compared to this one...tobacco traces...beautifully balanced...vanilla...impressive. Points...well...from 100 I would give it 94 at the moment.
Points 18

Saturday 15 May 2010
Weather bright...we went for a stroll around Achern...then back for a light lunch and wait for two friends, Ingrid & Edgar, who were coming down for the evening. They arrived mid afternoon...a quick tour...then down to dinner. Edgar wanted a wine with at least 94 points he said....and I knew what we were gonna drink. A white beforehand would be needed...although the ladies are not drinkers....and I wanted to show him something he hadn't had. In September the Grüner Veltliner had impressed me...so...no hardship to have another bottle opened.















A 'greeting from the kitchen'...Aspic of Pfifferling in a clover coat...clear Beef Consommé...& Radish Terrine with Fried Scallops

Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor
Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2003
Wachau, Austria
Yellow gold...ripe fruit mature smell...a slight touch of petroleum...green pepper...stones..spicy minerals..Edgar said little until asked...but his eyes told me...I think he had more than half the bottle!!!
Points 17.5











Pikeperch & Scallops...Lamb....Quail...and the non-drinkers tried a selection of the desserts.

Weingut Berhard Huber Hecklinger Schlossberg
Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs 2007
Baden, Germany
The wine list only had the 2005 Schlossberg still available from my last visit.....the 2006 had sold out....but hey...we are talking about a VERY GOOD Vintage in 2007. Previous vintages have shown the Schlossberg to be closed when young...needing temptations to show it's best. Not so here...the wine was opened 2 hours in advance..no basket...no decant...just a decent hefty pour into large glasses.
Now...I know the previous wine was voted top...and it will probably surpass this...but...here & now....this is super. Light colour (who really cares) and again...raspberries...juicy ones at that...just a wonderful layer of fruit...loads of class and finesse...and with enough substance to hold for many years. What a delicious wine.
Points 18.25
PS.....The usual evening procedure is...I send a good glassful of the wine I am drinking into the kitchen. Obviously...while working...Herr Hodapp can't drink too much...but that glass he takes with him when the work is done. Unfortunately...Edgar & I drank it all this night....


Sunday 18 May 2010
My wife got up for breakfast (normally I am alone and have to bring up a large pot of coffee).
The sun was shining and off we set..the 4 of us...high up into the Black Forest mountains...to visit a tourist attraction..the Mummelsee. As we got out of the car...my wife Eva...was telling our friends it would be a little cold and that they should put on a jacket. I suggested my version...not exactly Karl Lagefeld...but an attractive option. We walked round the sea....and viewed the 'new' hotel...the old one had burned down a couple of years ago.














Back to our hotel...Sunday lunchtime...the restaurant was packed...so we ordered 4 soups..and enjoyed them in our room.
Our friends left around 2pm...then...it was off to see the local team play football (soccer...for the foreigners reading). I try to plan that they are playing when we visit..it is a lovely setting...and watching grass-roots football is great.









The marinated Salmon was part of another course on offer....but was a perfect starter...
The threesome in the middle is Hare...and my wife had a very fine 'Schitzel' with her fresh Asparagus.

Weingut Bernhard Huber Wildenstein Spätburgunder trocken Barrique 2007
Baden, Germany
This is the TOP wine from Huber....and is as always...a compactness of fruit...much firmer than the Schlossberg....red cherry dominates...elegant...yes....again...a surprise...the 2007 here shows earlier appeal...compared to the previous 2 vintages.....it thickened with air...showing some vanilla....and structure and length of flavour.
Points 18





Monday 17 May 2010
DURBACH DAY
Monday...and Rebstock is closed until Tuesday midday. My wife went to the hairdressers in Kappelrodeck....normally a closing day in this trade...but due to most restaurants being closed...it is the only day they can get their hair done. Bettina from our restaurant was also booked in.
Midday....and we set off to Durbach. It is a pleasant 30 minute drive along picturesque lanes.
The reason to drive there usually is for a game of mini-golf...but this time I had planned to visit various properties in the search for some Spätburgunder 2007.
Weingut Markgraf von Baden
Schloss Staufenberg
First on the list...the castle on the hill...which allows you a fine view of the village below....
I asked after 2007...but all they had was 2008 Spätburgunder trocken & 2008 Spätburgunder Carl Friedrich. There is a terrace where you can eat some 'flammenkuchen'....but it was chilly...so down we went.







Weingut Heinrich Männle
Situated firmly where the wines grow...I arrived...and a charming lady appeared. This turned out to be Sylvie Männle. I purchased some 2007 Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken....and the Auslese trocken...both Barrique. She proudly showed me the new cellar for tasting....and my wife joined us...and we were also shown some paintings...by an artist....all with grape names...and supposedly looking like the grape tastes! Frau Männle asked about my interest in wine...and I said I write a blog...and could I have a photo. Oh no...I've not had my hair done....but..out came the hair-grip...and we have the delightful pose of a happy wine grower!








Weingut Graf Wolff Metternich & Weingut Schwörer
Two properties situated within a few yards of each other. I purchased some 2007 SB Spätlese & Auslese trocken from Metternich....my wife wandered happily along the pathway...down onto the road...to the 'unattractive' shop of Schwörer. property....where a the lady behind the counter was very enthusiastic...this property has won lots of medals...mind you...it depends where you win medals sometimes...but I think the Durbacher Plauelrain Spätburgunders may be decent...2007 of both 'Barrique & 'Holzfaß'.














Weingut DZ Danner
As you leave Durbach....heading to Waldulm...this is the last property on the left. The Riesling's have potential...but are not for the weak stomached...and need plenty of time to develope. I was greeted by Sonja Danner.....husband Alexander was not around...and was lucky to be able to buy a couple of bottles of the 2007 Pinot Noir trocken Barrique Number 3.









It was now 2 pm...and we had no urgency to drive back yet...so we headed for the Black Forest High Road...through the Spar villages Bad Peterstal & Bad Griesbach...where we had a 'late' lunch...a large Schnitzel with Pommes Frites. If you ever get the chance to go to the Black Forest...be sure to take the high road.
Black Forest High Road
As we hit the top....we suddenly had this gigantic wind machine in front of us...it had not been visible before...and the wildness of the surrounding countryside...breathless! We overtook some cyclists...hats off to these guys....those hill climbs!











After a short stop at the excellent Supermarket in Achern...to obtain cheese and ham for our hotel room picnic....I revisted a property I had tried for earlier that day... while my wife was under the hairdryer. I rang the bell...no answer...but a kind neighbour said Tobias was round the corner on his tractor. Sure enough...there he was. Can I buy some wine I asked...ah..a customer he replied with a laugh. Into the tasting room...he was the only one on this day to convince me to try a glass...(I need all my concentration for my evening intake.....)
Weingut Tobias Köninger
Kappelrodeck
A four year old property...with help from his family...this sympathetic grower makes you wish you were a wine maker. Proudly showing me his tasting cellar....he even convinced me also to buy a bottle of his Cabernet Sauvignon...but the Pinot Noir Reserve 2007 also exchanged hands.






















Back to the hotel...and the cold delicacies bought from the Supermarket.
Winzerkeller Hex vom Dasenstein in Kapelrodeck...is a Co-operative where busloads of tourists arrive.
The 'Mother' now has a 'Daughter'...Jürgen Decker & Marco Köninger are attempting to produce more 'up-market wines'. Herr Hodapp had sent up the bottle to our room...with orders to try it and give my comments...but leave enough for him the next day...as he was thinking about adding it to his wine-list when it is released later this year
Villa Heynburg Spätburgunder
Grande Reserve trocken 2008
Baden, Germany
Fragrant aroma....fruit is decent...but the oak is dominant...and there seems emptiness...not something to write home about...and confirmed by Karl Hodapp 2 days later( tasted alongside a glass of Dr Heger from Tuesday night)
Points 15...and the price will not be low









Tuesday 18 May 2010
Short trip to a wine merchant who still had 3 bottles of Drautz-Able Jodokus Hades 2001 I had bought last time I was in the area. Karl Hodapp winced when we last spoke in September...about the idea of adding a wine from Württemberg to his list....local rivalry....but I gave a bottle to his staff...to pass on to him in the kitchen...with the instructions he should cover up the label when trying it. I await the tasting notes!
I set off after lunch for an hour's energetic climb...high into the vineyards behind the hotel....wonderful views...and as the weather is not too hot...wonderful gulps of fresh air.













Coming down at the back of the village...the gardens are full of colour...and there are local distilleries...they are proud of their 'Schnaps' here.















Karl Hodapp and Sandra Stark produced a future star....Basti is 2 and a half now......

Tuesday 18 May 2010
My wife was not feeling like food...so...armed with literature... I dined alone.

Dr Heger Achkarrer Schlossberg
Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs 2007
Baden, Germany
'Lecker'....as we say in Germany....tasty...smoky note...intense fruit...quite full...which defies the colour....just got better....sometimes that's all you can say.....
Points 17.5








Wednesday 19 May 2010
My wife wanted to drive to Kenzingen to buy chocolate...it's an hour's drive!...for chocolate!!!....but...being the good husband I am...and thankful she was feeling better....we set off...arriving at noon..with 30 minutes before the shop closed. They didn't have what she wanted...but luckily 'eagle-eyed Barry' spotted another shop..and wife was happy.
Sat in the car while all this was going on.....I checked the map...10 miles to Malterdingen!
Huber....Schlossberg....2007...Saturday night..remember?....I need to buy some.
It's now in MY cellar.....I'll resist as long as possible....







The last evening....and Wednesday there is usually a few changes to the menu....








Another 'greeting from the kitchen' Lobster Maultäschle...and the couple of changes to the menu card...Vitello Tonnato of Sucking-Pig and some local Beef

No Spätburgunder tonight! Shock! Horror!....but little sister instead...and from Franken.
Weingut Rudolf Fürst Bürgstadter Centgrafenberg
Frühburgunder trocken 'R' 2007
Franken, Germany
Concentrated fruit....and I like Franken reds....loads of juicy fruit....smoke...elegant & stylish..a perfect wine to end with....
I forgot what points I gave it...but if my memory serves me correctly....
Points 17.5









Thursday 20 May 2007
Last look out of the window.....deep breath of the wonderful air.....
Goodbye to the staff...and Karl Hodapp kindly gave me a bottle of Kopp's Spätburgunder trocken 'S' 2007...one of the wines I didn't manage to try this trip.









We have already booked for late August / early September...when hopefully it will be warm and we can sit on the terrace.....still some wines on the list to be tried...and it will be no hardship to re-taste some of the above.