Quick Reviews
Andre Scherer Vin D’ Alsace – Pinot Blanc – France – 2009
Mystifyingly bad pinot blanc that tastes like raisins dipped in pus. The syrupy texture might coat your tongue like paint, but I recommend drinking the paint instead.
Casillero del Diablo – Reserva Carmenérè – Chile – 2014
I have a mixed relationship with Chile’s Casillero del Diablo — some bottles are great, others are terrible. But in South America, you can’t swing a cockfighting rooster without hitting a bottle with their label on it, so you’d better drink it, or you’ll be in trouble. This one sits in the middle: a bit of smoke bumps up the excitement in this well balanced carmy. Paired equally well with spiny pasta as it did with the chocolate dessert.
Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewürztraminer – Alsace – 2013
An Alsatian Gewurztraminer, so what’s not to love? Still, not up to Hugel levels of perfection, this one is a bit too acidic with a brief finish. Pair with bold fish or pork dish, as it doesn’t work well on its own.
Hermes Roditis White Dry – Greece – 2014
A light, sneaker-nosed wine that is slightly bitter, tangy without much sugar or fruit, but which pairs nicely with fish, light pasta, salad or fruit cup. An interesting wine that many might hate but given some forgiveness, actually becomes quite nice after a few sips. Very inexpensive.
Mother Goose – Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc – NZ – 2015
Cat pee and lemongrass, and yet this is still boring. I have never actually seen a cat pee on lemongrass, but it has to be more exciting than this. Really disappointing.
“A by Acacia” Pinot Noir – California – 2014
Dusty berries, which sounds like a country music star from the 70s, but it works for this wine. Fruity but not sweet, medium acid.
Château Musar Jeune Rouge – Lebanon – 2012
Didn’t come off as pruney as my colleagues found it, but it is fruity on the back end. Complex nose invokes some earthiness that reminded me of camping, and the tannins are not overpowering. I would drink it again. Blend of Shiraz, Cab and Cinsault.
Marqués de Riscal “ABA” – Spain – 2014
Dry and bland, like comedian Stephen Wright before he was funny. Let it age a few centuries and call me later.
Emiliana Adobe Carmenere Reserva – Chile – 2013
A middle of the road carmy, tiny hints of smoke and leather followed by smooth fruit but over-acidic. Paired well with osso bucco.
The Prisoner – 2014
Heard fantastic things about this blend, but ultimately it didn’t live up to the hype. A great wine, but lacking a balance that prevents it from being a fantastic wine. Fruity but medium sweet, nice mouthfeel but still missing something. Very slight nose. Let this prisoner sit in its cell a bit longer. BCNU.