Quick Reviews
Rémy Pannier Vouvray – France – 2015
Gorgeous nose of faint flowers. Medium sweet but don’t let that dissuade you. Floral flavors meet delicate white cake, this would serve equally well with white fish or pork. Chenin Blanc is quickly becoming a favorite white for me and this didn’t disappoint.
Graham Beck Gorgeous – Pinot Noir – Chardonnay – South Africa – 2016
Don’t let the weird-ass color (peach?) turn you off, this is an interesting blend of pinto noir and chardonnay that tastes like neither of its parts, but is refreshing nonetheless. Tasted blind I would bet no one could name the grapes. Flavors of apple and pear crash up against a tartness that is a smidge too aggressive, costing this at least one star.
Schmitt Söhne Relax Riesling – Germany
Wow, didn’t expect much from this low end reez despite the Mosel pedigree but it surprises nicely. Medium sweet, with apples but not the usual tart green ones you’d expect. A dilute honey like flavor washes over the fruit but (again) without making it too sweet. Very nice. (No year recorded in notes.)
Château Gloria Saint-Julien – France – 2008
Did not live up to the other reviews I had seen, even after giving it ample breathing time. Cherry and leather are strong here but the tannins are still a bit oppressive given the age.
Georgetown Tempranillo – Texas – (NV)
Wait… A tempranillo from Texas? And it’s awesome? You read that right. While I might not have guessed it was a tempro, this potent red enhanced a plate of Italian veal parmigiana and kept on giving long after the plate disappeared. Nose is not overpowering, with hints of blackcurrant and spice, but on the palate it’s a bold and in-your-face red that would stand shoulder to shoulder with a fat cab. Fun game: serve this to your wine snob pals and see how many say this is a South American red. Recommended. (No year on the bottle.)
Vertikal Riesling – Germany – 2013
Surprisingly timid German riesling;some might call it subtle but I think it’s too underwhelming to be forgiven so easily. Nevertheless it’s got enough fruit and mild sugar to identify itself as a reez, but little else. Served with the salad course, it wilted quickly; I suggest serving it without food and only for this unaccustomed to better wines from the region.
Raats Chenin Blanc – South Africa – 2016
Wow. Chenin Blanc can trend towards boring, but this one defies that. Mildly tart, mildly mineraly, and mildly fruity, all those “mild” flavors nevertheless come together in a bold, if sophisticated, glass. Very, very nice.
Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block – South Africa – 2015
Syrah is always nice but this blend just ramps up the enjoyment tenfold. This is complex, and keeps revealing different flavors and noted as you work down the glass. There’s equal amounts of fruit to tobacco here, but those who might not like smoke in their wine shouldn’t be turned off, as the smooth velvety texture calms everything, so no one aspect dominates. Earthy nose makes this all the more fascinating. Paired extremely well with salami charcuterie plate.
Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé – France – 2016
Rose Shiraz? From France? Yes, please! This was the last glass of a tasting of European wines, paired against a plate of cured meats. The nose was almost spicy like gewurtztraminer but the glass was a more tame but sophisticated (dare I say buttoned down?) light sip. Didn’t invoke much excitement but was still a fine ending to an great tasting. Would drink better by itself, and is ideal for summer day at the beach. Won’t hold up to aggressive dishes.
Château Musar Hochar Père Et Fils – Lebanon – 2011
Amber color at the ridges and bright red overall, the nose is subtle with only hints of cherry. On the palate it’s slightly smoky and bright with black cherry. Paired well with spicy chicken dish. Blend is of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault.