Quick Reviews

Pinord Chateldon Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon – Spain – 2011

Here’s the scenario. You poured your old uncle a nice glass of cab while he was grilling, but he’s easily confused, and accidentally poured pepper over his glass of wine rather than the steaks. Then someone drank it and thought, “this is great, let me make a whole batch of wine like this!” Thus, this Pinord Chateldon. So much pepper, you’re going to swear you have a mentally ill uncle with poor grilling aim. Dry to the point of bitter. Fruit on the nose but nowhere else.

Domaine Zinck Gewürztraminer – France – 2017

Surprisingly poor Gewurztraminer but still squeaks by to get 3 stars. Too sweet with not enough of the typical Alsatian spice. Wouldn’t be mistaken for a German riesling but way too much sugar. Did these grapes come from somewhere else, and were only bottled in Alsace? Just strange.

Starling Castle Gewürztraminer – Germany – 2017

Middling German Pfaltz Gewurztraminer put to shame by its French neighbors in Alsace. Too close to a riesling to make it a great gwertz, and a gwertz should never be this close to a reez. Some nice fruit here, with floral notes, but nearly zero spice.

Ponga Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – 2017

Passion fruit and crisp apple that brightens this up and makes it slightly unique from other offerings and even other vintages of the same wine. Drinks well by itself, but will be fussy to pair with, so stick with classic fish.