Quick Reviews
Pacific Rim Riesling – Washington – 2012
Not bad but not memorable. Appeared on a restaurant list under sweet wines, next to a moscato, but it doesn’t belong there. Mild sugar and uninspired fruit work together to underwhelm. Nose is odd, powerful like a glass of cheap rum, but that’s not how it tastes. Don’t try this as a dessert wine, but pair with something spicy. That might help, but no guarantees.
Dr. Loosen Riesling Spätlese Erdener Treppchen – Germany – 2014
Dr. Loosen does it again, proving this producer is the master of Mosel. Medium sweet with a tiny hint of fizz, this is not for the twentysomething wine cooler crowd. This is adult German reez at its best, with apricots and a bit of spice, and a surprisingly long finish. Fantastic!
Viu Manent Estate Collection Reserva Sauvignon Blanc – Chile – 2016
Sauvignon Blanc snobs won’t like this, but it’s nevertheless a nice wine. More fruit than mineral, this comes off like a near riesling, with a bit too much sugar for an SB. But it paired very well with a moderately spicy tuna dish.
Château Baulac Dodijos Sauternes – France – 2012
A slight tinge of photo chemicals ruins it. Unpleasant and nearly foul. At least not oversweet, but neither would be drinking your dad’s old darkroom baths.
Belleruche Côtes du Rhône – Grenache / Syrah – France – 2015
Fantastic nose of chocolate and sweet berries will make you think this is a sweet wine, but it’s not. On the tongue it’s black cherry with mild tannins. Only a short finish keeps this from being a five star wine.
Decoy Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon – California – 2012
An underwhelming nose nevertheless gives way to a lush glass full of flavor. Just let it sit in the glass for at least ten minutes. Black cherry and licorice are prominent here. Paired well with red sauce chicken dish but would hold up well with steak or pork. Let sit a bit before swigging.
William Hill Sauvignon Blanc – California North Coast – 2013
Nice EssBee that comes close to its superior new Zealand cousins,but not quite as good. Some minerals in play, some grassiness but lacking punch. Pairs well with fish, not much else.
Cave Kientzheim-Kaysersberg ‘Anne de K’ Gewurztraminer SGN – 2009 – Alsace
Don’t overlook the “Selection de Grains Nobles” indicator on the label, this is a sweet dessert gwertz, and as a result it doesn’t much match it’s drier brethren. This is all sugar and raisin, with the sweetness nearly hiding the gewurztraminer DNA here. It’s okay, but nearly cloying. Dark and syrupy. Pair with sweet fruit plate, and light cheese only.
Tilia – Malbec / Syrah – Argentina – 2015
OK but most great, gives floral hints on the nose but otherwise a middling glass. Near zero finish. Nice tannins, not overpowering.
Hey Mambo Sultry – Red Blend – California – 2014
Smooth like silk, and boasting some strong fruit but tarnished with a petrol tinge that mars its overall drinkability. Pair this with beef or strong pasta dish or it won’t be fully enjoyable.