Quick Reviews
Weingut Geil Gewürztraminer Kabinett – Germany – 2016
Readers know Gewurztraminer remains my favorite grape, so I came at this one with great anticipation. So pale it’s nearly white in the glass. Nose is typical gwertz: light spiced apple. On the palate it’s a fantastic sweet prototypical Rheinhessen Gewurztraminer, light but delicious fruit with potent chamomile notes that just made me smile with joy. I love sweet wine but this was a bit too sweet for me as a non-dessert wine. That’s about all that keeps this from hitting a full five stars. I highly recommend this though, if you go into it knowing it will be sweet.
Post script: I reviewed the Domaine de la Mordoree La Reine Des Bois CDP and it wilted under a simple pairing with some mild sopressata sausage. Later I reviewed this Weingut Geil, and popped some of the sausage in my mouth, and the Gewurztraminer paired incredibly well! The pairing also tamed some of the wine’s sweetness, so don’t be afraid to serve this with an unusual, and even spicy, dish!
Oveja Negra Sauvignon Blanc / Carmenère Reserva – Chile – 2013
Viña Cobos Cocodrilo Corte – Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec – Argentina – 2014
Viu Manent Noble Sémillon – Chile – 2013
I approached this dessert wine with great hope, seeing as how I liked the Sauvignon Blanc from this winery earlier this year. Color is wheat, nose is spiced dates. Spice follows on the palate with sweet caramel apple but is tainted by an odd chemical note that overpowers what should be a very good dessert wine. I couldn’t place the “off note” but it didn’t improve with subsequent glasses. Overall this was unlike other botrytis wines I’ve tasted.
Franclin Delgado Castilla Cavas de Caral – Peru – 2015
Literally smells like a gasoline tank flooded a horse stable. All that sugar can be used for a handy ant trap, but for God’s sake don’t drink this stuff.
Andeluna 1300 Malbec – Argentina – 2013
Fruity but not jammy, this is spiked with hints of licorice and chocolate. Mild tannins already showing this has aged nicely. Paired well with an assortment of red meats and chicken.
Pisano RPF Tannat – Uruguay – 2013
Last year saw the Winepisser Best Wine award go to a tannat from Uruguay, so you know I am a fan. I tell everyone I can that Uruguay is the number one country to watch in winemaking. This tannat didn’t hit 5 stars, but is nevertheless fantastic! Fruity nose which is a bit uncharacteristic, but this makes it all the more charming. Hints of meat and leather but they don’t overpower the core of blackberry. This is ready to drink now.
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay – California – 2014
Surprisingly citric but in an entirely pleasing way; no butter overdose here, this is a crisp and pleasant chardonnay that puts its fruit forward. Very nice.
Duckhorn Merlot – Napa California – 2014
Nose is all berries and a hint of flowers. Palate is is a moderately bold mix of potent blackberries with a bit of licorice and allspice. Paired well with a lovely Ruth’s Chris ribeye. Shy tannins and lack of finish keep this from 5 stars.
Meiomi Pinot Noir – California – 2016
A haunted bookshop comes to mind, as this is all dusty cellar cobwebs and mushroomy goodness. Long finish with powerful lingering flavors of black cherry, tobacco and wet earth. An overly acidic back throat bite keeps this from 5 stars, but highly recommended.