Quick Reviews
Inniskillin Pearl Vidal Icewine – 2012
This highly rated icewine from a highly rated icewinery nevertheless slips on the ice like a former Olympic skater failing in her afteryears; overstrong grape turns honey and apricot back into raisin, and while smooth and balanced, it didn’t live up to the hype. Alas!
Matua Sauvignon Blanc – 2014
Fresh cut grass and freshly fallen lemon come together in a gardener’s dream.
Concha y Toro Frontera Sauvignon Blanc – 2014
Dry, wooden and a bit dull, but with a tinge of fruit; imagine Keanu Reeves in drag.
Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux – 2012
Silk adorned with red ribbons of berry, this is the interior decorator of wine; will age to spectacular effect, but with proper air is splendid right now.
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Riesling Eiswein – 2007
A delicate slice of velvety smooth, amber colored heaven, this icewine has just the right sugar, vanilla and apricot to work not only as a dessert wine, but also dessert.
Santa Rita 120 Carménère – 2014
A surprisingly disappointing carmy, more label than grape.
G. H. von Mumm 50° Trocken Riesling – 2010
Hints of bubblegum remarkably work, making this a delightfully playful riesling.
Clean Slate Riesling – Mosel – 2014
A tart German, like someone Marlene Dietrich might serenade in a smoky cabaret.
FWG Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett – Mosel
James lost his giant peach, and it landed in this bottle.
Apothic Dark – 2014
Not as insanely satisfying as Apothic Red, this goth younger sister nevertheless impresses with its smoothness, and bevy of flavors. Ignore the Hot Topic branding, it’s sophisticated enough to serve to the tux crowd.