Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Enrico Santini 2005 “Poggio Al Moro”, Bolgheri DOC, Toscana

See if this sounds familiar. Someone touts or perhaps even gives you a high priced Super Tuscan, maybe a bottle with a recognizable name. Or you’re at a big time tasting, stop at the table of one of those iconic producers for a sample, smile politely while looking for a place to spit, and walk away wondering why there was such buzz about that wine. Disappointment in a bottle…and at a hefty price for your dissatisfaction. Less than super wines at increasingly super dollars.

If you’re a fan of blends of Italian and international grapes there’s no need to cash in the Roth IRA to find quality wines. Maybe they don’t have the notoriety or “pedigree” (read that $$$), but they deliver a solid product at an excellent quality-price ratio.

Bolgheri has become Tuscany’s viticultural laboratory and along with the Maremma area is turning out estimable wines that are a change of pace from the traditional regional fare while at the same time retaining a sense of place. Wines that are obviously and joyously Italian.

Santini’s offering is equal parts Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot with a dash of Syrah. While the finished product is seamless there are discernable varietal traits throughout. Cherry and spice scents followed by red berries and foresty smells. Highly concentrated fruits in a savory, earthy package that picks up elements of tar and pine. A marriage of acidity and fine tannins that allows the juice to come to the forefront. This wine is still young but already showing a depth and balance that auger well for its ability to develop even further with some bottle age.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

After a hard day..some cold ham with GREEN asparagus( my favourite over the white variety) was quickly prepared..and to save myself going to get the corkscrew…amidst the various Rieslings waiting to be tasted in my cellar..the screw-cap bottle was chosen. Opened and poured…..even we wine-freaks can do things simple when needs be.
This Estate is one of the new stars of the Mosel.
The winemaker at Schloss Lieser, and since about 1994 the owner as well, is none other than Wilhelm Haag’s eldest son Thomas (Wilhelm Haag is the elder statesman of the Fritz Haag estate, one of Germany’s most elite estates.)
Schloss Lieser Riesling Kabinett 2007
Mosel, Germany
Blind tasting it….well..if I had..I might have thought Asti Spumanti at first.
Let me explain…there is a slight ’spritz’ to the wine….the bouguet showed slate minerals..and then the flavour surprises you. Clear broad fruit…mouth-tingling minerals again…citrus fruits..flint and stones…considerably more richness than the Kabinett designation implies.This borders on Spätlese level, at 90º Oeschle. The 9% alcohol means this is very gulpable and a perfect match for the green asparagus…and would be superb with Asian food.
Points 16.25 but check the price € 9
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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Joachim Heger of Dr.Heger wines took over the ‘Weinhaus Heger’ in 1986 and produces wines from vineyards grown on loess and loam soil. They are different wines to the ‘Mother Weingut’ where the Spätburgunder is grown on vulcanic rock.
Heger Spätburgunder
Auslese *** 2003
Baden, Germany
This spends 15 months in barrique which surprised me as it is very fruit driven..no doubt down to the soil it’s grown on. The auslese wines are from old vines…hence the ***. This has a soft mushroom nose at first…some exotic spices..then clear dark fruit..mainly cherries…then a touch of cream sets in..that’s the barrique..but as I said…the fruit is dominant..dry chalky tannins and a slightly burnt aroma which may be down to the hot vintage. An interesting wine as I am a big fan of Dr.Heger’s wines and this was a commendable comparison.
Points 17.25

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Some wines remind me of music…..
and as I drank this I thought of the
‘Eagles – Peaceful Easy Feeling’
Helmut Dönnhoff is one of the 2
top growers on the Nahe..
wines of elegance and finesse.

Dönnhoff Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg
Riesling trocken 2007
Nahe, Germany
This is a downgraded Spätlese…and was given 3 hours airing….

Medium deep yellow..with sparkling green tinges….a bouquet of apricots..some ripe citrus fruits..later a touch of wild raspberry..and lovely minerally aroma….all this continues onto the palate..the acidity bounces over the tongue..flinty…and the minerality is just perfect.
Drink it now or over the next 5 years….that ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’ will remain with you.
Points 17 € 20

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Gloria Ferrer 2000 Brut Royal Cuvee, Carneros (CA)

Tangent 2006 Pinot Gris, Edna Valley (CA)

Bonny Doon “Vin Gris de Cigare”, Santa Cruz (CA)

Spencer Roloson 2002 “Palaterra”, Napa (CA)

Benton Lane 2006 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley (OR)

Novelty Hill 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley (WA)

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

The other night, from the comfort of my couch and in the presence of Michael Scott, the magnificently offensive boss on NBC’s “The Office,” I found myself knocked out by a cabernet franc. This was unexpected for two reasons: First, while I really enjoy Loire reds, I don’t often find myself rendered speechless by them; and second, because this wine was pink.

The pink stuff has, over the past several years, seen an upsurge in popularity akin to Jessica Simpson’s career after she had all that work done. In wine as in life, it’s all about the image.

But unlike the star of the Oscar-winning comedy “Employee of the Month” (honestly, see it now; it’s more profound than anything Ingmar Bergman ever directed, and funnier than even the greatest Zero Mostel comedy), rose is unlikely to leave you depressed or feeling the least bit cheap. And better still is the fact that, now that rose has finally gained a solid foothold in the American wine market, new and unexpected varieties are suddenly available.

So go out there and buy yourself a bottle of pink grenache from Vacqueyras, or a watermelon-hued malbec from Mendoza, or a coppery syrah from Santa Barbara. Whatever you do, make sure to keep an open mind. And a couple of clean glasses at the ready. And the DVD box-set of the entire Simpson oeuvre. Magnifique!

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Mastroberardino 2004 Sannio Falanghina, Campania (IT)

Spy Valley 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (NZ)

Faiveley 2003 Mercurey 1er Cru “Clos de Myglands”, Burgundy (FR)

Montebuena 2005 Rioja (SP)

Cat Walk 2006 Cabernet sauvignon, Barossa Valley (AU)

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

The estate is located in the town of Bacharach in the Mittelrhein wine-growing region in Germany. It was founded in 1982 by Dr. Randolf Kauer and Martina Kauer. The vineyard area totals slightly more than three hectares, mostly on steep slopes, spread over the communes Bacharach (Kloster Fürstental, Wolfshöhle), Oberdiebach (Fürstenberg), Oberwesel (Oelsberg) and Urbar (Beulsberg).
Kauer Oberweseler Oelsberg
Riesling Spätlese trocken 2007
Mittelrhein, Germany
Ah ha…this is more like it..and what I had hoped for with the vintage.
Aromas of apricots and juicy apples..lazy, hazy citrus fruits..minerals and some intensity…..smells like a winner. More apricots on the palate, some peach..real lively acidity..but..hurray..so easy to accept with that whole bowl of fruit covering it. Herbs and a gentle sweetness tie this one up..and the 13% alcohol you just never notice. A teenager without spots that will develope into a tasty young lady! Roll on the next one…
Points 17.25
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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Talk about keeping up with the Joneses…I have to keep up with the Joes of this world.A photo of reds he is hoping to drink..who knows what this man has in mind? Behind every great man is a good woman..and before every great red is a good white!

After hearing only positive information about the 2007 vintage in Germany I decided to purchase a whole host of whites…practically all Riesling…and mostly trocken. It’s going to be hard work..as I shy away from young acidity..but I’m hoping that the vintage will take care of me. Below a list of the wines that will eventually pass my lips.

Nahe:
Dönnhoff Riesling trocken 2007
Dönnhoff Weißburgunder trocken 2007
Dönnhoff Schloßböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Spätlese trocken 2007
Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Spätlese 2007
Emrich-Schönleber Grauburgunder trocken -S- trocken 2007
Emrich-Schönleber Monzinger Frühlingsplätzchen Riesling trocken 2007
Pfalz:
Christmann Riesling trocken 2007
Christmann Gimmeldinger Riesling trocken 2007
Rheingau:
Kühn Riesling Landgeflecht trocken 2007
Mittelrhein:
Kauer Bacharacher Wolfshöhle Riesling Kabinett trocken 2007
Kauer Oberweseler Oelsberg Riesling Spätlese trocken 2007
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer:
Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinnet 2007
Clemens Busch Riesling Kabinett trocken 2007
Lieser Schloss Lieser Riesling Kabinett 2007
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett 2007
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese trocken 2007
Van Volxem Saar Riesling Alte Reben 2007
Württemberg:
Schaitmann Riesling ** Fellbach trocken 2007
Baden:
Huber Auxerrois Kabinett trocken 2007

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Home made gnocchis in gorgonzola sauce. One of my favourite dishes…but can so often disappoint in restaurants. The secrets are:
1. Fresh Gorgonzola ( not some old piece you want to use up)
2. don’t overdo it..the cheese should be part of the dish..not THE dish.
The wine chosen I have tried a couple of times…and didn’t make previous notes as the situations were not ideal (visitors, telephone etc). I wanted to be fair to the wine..and to myself!
I find the Spätburgunder wines of the Pfalz a little more austere than other areas…Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot are both grown succesfully here..and I usually get that ‘dryer’ feeling.

Marcus Schneider Spätburgunder M 2005
Pfalz, Germany
Made of Pinot grapes harvested from 2 different terroirs….
A gentle restrained softness at first..which gradually opened..as do many from this wonderful vintage. Dark cherries appeared….and the fluffy first taste filled out to show a full-bodied wine..some tannins..but the wine is more open than I remember from the previous 2 bottles..some spicy oak and vanilla traces…and for the price( about 16,– Euros)..this is excellent value
Points 17
Recent tastings notes of mine of Spätburgunders wines from the mid-range have hopefully & finally put to bed the criticism that many aimed at this category. Growers are now producing ‘basic’ wines to compliment the top range..which, to me, are still better value than anywhere in the world!
Compare the label here to the Zalwander wine…are growers appealing to short-sighted drinkers!

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Prices are for PA. Prices in other states will vary. To find any of these wines, make sure to use our Wine Finder

The Whites

Tangent 2006 Pinot Gris, Edna Valley (Australia)

$11.99

A rather unique import into the States: a Pinot Gris from Australia. The price is great and the wine is rather perfect antidote for sweltering. Tangerine and coconut in a vibrant package. Offers impressive intensity coupled with a light framework. The pricing is about 30% lower in PA than elsewhere.

Rolf Binder 2006 “Highness” Riesling, Eden Valley (Australia)

$12.99

Seems I am on a Eden Valley kick this month. There is a reason for that: its a great place to find high quality white wines in Australia. This Riesling drinks like a fine Spatlese Trocken from Mosel. Fire, Petrol,and Granite are the predominant aromatics, with a razor-like acidity that is balanced by its extraction of citrus and peach. The pricing is about 25% lower in PA than elsewhere.

G.H. Mumm Grand Cru Brut Champagne

$29.99

An intense modern style Champagne that should cost about twice the current PLCB price. Excellent mousse, this sparkler exudes almond and dough with a leesy roundness on the palate that gives way to lime & green apple. The pricing is about 45% lower in PA than elsewhere.

Domaine Christian Moreau 2003 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru

$48.99

True to its Grand Cru lineage, this Chablis is an intense terroir-driven aristrocrat. Layer upon layer of stone aromas give way to apricot, iron shavings, pear, and toast. It offers the richness of the hot vintage, but not the limpness. Like many Grand Cru Burgundies, this offers an intense experience. The price is about half of what it should be.

The Reds

Cape Mentelle 2004 Shiraz, Margaret River (Australia)

$14.99

An exceptional Shiraz of complexity and intensity. A nice balance is struck between the fresh blackberry and its jellied strawberry notes. A pleasing edge of black tea and tannin overlap the roasted flavors of dark coffee and liquorice. The pricing is about 15% lower in PA than elsewhere.

I just got back from several weeks in Spain, a week of which was spent exploring the wilds of Priorat. One of the shining moments on that trip was the day we spent with Salus Alvarez, the winemaker at Vall Llach.

While I knew and respected his wines already, I was stunned by the quality of the ‘05 and ‘06 vintages. After lugging back a full case of their wines in my luggage from Spain, I was rather nonplussed to discover that the PLCB just picked up a major shipment of their wines… and at prices lower than I paid at the winery. Oh well.

Vall Llach 2004 “Emruix” Priorat

$19.99

Oh, buy buy buy this beauty. An elegant Priorat, and an incredible value, it offers layers of tobacco, black olive, fennel, and black fruit on layered framework of tannin. The pricing is about 25% lower in PA than elsewhere.

Vall Llach 2004 “Idus” Priorat

$34.99

Similar to the Emruix, but will need a minimum of seven years in the cellar. The minerality of ancient Carignan and the oxidized complexity of old vine Grenache are the center pieces of this wine.

The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon gives this wine the structure and balance of a fine Bordeaux. Nearly as profound as the ‘05, but not quite. The pricing is about 25% lower in PA than elsewhere.

The Sweets

Chapel Hill “The Devil” Port, McLaren Vale (Austalia)

$19.99

The Aussies are a great resource for excellent value dessert wines. Simliar in structure to a 10-year Tawny from Portugal, this bottle offers roasted nuts and figs and milk chocolate. Serve this after dinner on a rainy summer evening.

Prices are for PA. Prices in other states will vary. To find any of these wines, make sure to use our Wine Finder

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Filed Under The Wine World

Meet Gary Vaynerchuk!

Date: Thursday, June 12th

Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Location: The Wine School’s Classroom 201
(2008 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130)

Its Free!

Cult Wine Persona? The Everyman Wine Guy? Wine Marketing Guru? Its always a bit weird when someone you know professionally suddenly turns into a national media star. I know Gary when he was *just* the owner of one of the best wine shops in Jersey, Wine Library.

Now, he is being featured in the Wall Street Journal, Late Night Show with Conan O’Brien, Ellen, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and, recently, South by Southwest. All because of his WineLibraryTV show.

Gary is coming to the Wine School for a Sommelier Smackdown (Sorry, Sold out) and he will be available to sign copies of his new book, Gary Vaynerchuk’s 101 Wines Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World On Thursday, June 12th.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

What is the best thing about drinking wine? The wine has to be good..yes…but doesn’t it always taste a little better with fellow wine lovers…and I am sometimes like a kid..wanting to share my goodies..
Volker, Robert and myself met up for our regular visit to the local Bistro…I take along the wines..and they try to guess.
The first wine you know…ABC Hildegard…and I wanted to share it with them. I was just as impressed and, although they gave it fewer marks than I did, they rated is highly. It went well with fresh Octopus on a light salad.
The first red I had purchased in a shop in Freiburg..never seen it before..and it is nowhere to be found elsewhere..just this little old shop….
It was superb. Dr Heger himself described the work on the Achkarrer Schlossberg in 2003 as extremely hard and the yield was low.BUT..it had been worth it. The 40 year-old vines produced what he states to be the best they have harvested. The wine spends 20 months in barrique.

Dr. Heger Achkarrer Schlossberg
Spätbugunder *** Spätlese trocken
“Grosses Gewächs” Barrique 2003
Baden, Germany
Amost at once there was a cherry aroma of real elegance, forest smells and a little burnt wood, really classic…the palate showed great concentration..ripe fruit…was very soft, slightly sweet with a gentle spiciness..perfect balance..no edges..at it’s peak you would think..but will certainly please for another 5-6 years. We were thouroghly impressed and agreed together on
Points 18.5

The second red I had decanted..and as the wine developed in glass…which we all like to enjoy…maybe a longer airing would benefit it more next time.
Ojai “Melville Vineyard”
Santa Rita Hills Syrah 2003
California, U.S.A.
Deep opaque colour..thick ‘long legs’ filled the glass…gamey nose with ripe berry fruit…deep spices..a little dry at first( which meant the blind tasters went elswhere with their thought)…you then expect a tannin bomb…but the wine is surprisingly soft. As it opened in the glass..so the palate became a touch sweeter showing thick ripe berry fruit…the tannins are their for it’s future..but the whole balance made it all a very enticing wine…with more airing..drink it now..but 5 years will do it no harm
Points 17.75+

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

The village of Durbach has 2 Männle’s, one Laible and a mini-golf course! Heinrich Männle I did not visit, Laible I did..but as he only had 2007 basic Rieslings..I did not purchase…he is a star and everything older had gone..the better wines still waiting to be bottled.
Andreas Männle is at the other end of the village…they are like book-ends to the village. The mini-golf course has a scorecard of 18 holes…after 12 holes my wife and I searched but never found the other six. After a 12!! at the first ( I had to get used to the putter)..I found my form and managed to retain my reputation. After the ‘exertions’..we visited the Männle vineyard..where the wine cost only 11,– Euros

Andreas Männle Durbacher Bienengarten
Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken 2007
Baden, Germany
This is the youngest Spätburgunder I have ever tasted…just to think that 6 months ago this had been on the vine.
Firm nose at first..but it quickly developed some strawberry and a little tar. This, unlike the 2005, obviously never saw barrique. The flavour is full, quite rich for the price…some spiciness..but soft overall…all that for ‘little’ money…as I said after the 2005…the vineyard is a little secret waiting to be spread.
Points 16.5

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Only a few seats remain: The Summer Wine Foundation

Date: Wednesday, July 30th Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Classroom 101 Classic Italian Wine Regions Part of the Wine by Region Series of Classes Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20 Italian wines are loved by American connoisseurs. At this point, more premium Italian wines are drunk in the USA than in Italy itself. In this class, we offer a gustatory map of the major wine regions. From Apulia, to Chianti, to the Piedmont, this class offers an overview of the important regions. Just as importantly, this class will highlight some of the wine regions with the best quality-to-price ratios. And, of course, you’ll taste fantastic examples from each of them. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?   List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Only a few seats remain: The Summer Wine Foundation

Date: Friday, July 18th Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Classroom 101 The Exotica Class Part of the Wine by Region Series of Classes Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20 There is more great wine available now than there ever has been before. The problem is that a lot of it is unfamiliar. So what are consumers supposed to do? In this class, we will introduce you to some of the best, most exciting wines available today, discuss how they pair with food, and taste some of the most interesting wines you’ve probably never heard of. Choose: Premium (+$10.00) Discount Which is right for you?   List Price: $53.99 Price: $37.99

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

WALDULM IS REDWINE!!!..
no doubt about that with the experts….
and 80% is planted with Spätburgunder vines.

The Pfarrberg vineyard faces to the south-east and gets a whole dose of morning sunshine..which the above experts say is better than the evening version. So it is..that the wines are as good as it gets for the price you pay. Most folk will know Co-Operatives in France. The German equivalent is Winzergenossenschaft. A recent visit showed a massive range to choose from. Most of the growers in Waldulm belong to this WG.. it was founded in 1928. Cellermaster is Urban Laible.


Winzergenossenschaft Waldulm
Waldulmer ‘Selection’ Pfarrberg Spätburgunder 2005
Baden, Germany
Tight aroma..liquorice..which opened with a few swirls..cherries, blackcurrant/blackberry jam…some vanilla…easy on the palate tannins…thick fruit..typical ’sweet’ style of the area…very tempting..maybe not elegant..but age may help…
Points 16.5

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

No time to open a bottle after a day when the rest of our plants arrived in the garden.The last three bottles tried were still half-corked in the cellar. All three I placed on the table in the garden, and from a distance, it would have made the neighbour think I was on a binge!
First one was the wine opened 3 days ago..Männle…which had been lying on it’s side..and I thought..get this one out of the way..the 2 newer examples will be better. How wrong…still all there..maybe a touch freshness missing..but a real surprise. The perfect wine for when you get told ‘One Glass A Day’(I have BIG glasses Doctor).
Next up..Hauvette..which had been standing..with half a glass in there..and it was taking on a slightly metal touch..I didn’t continue with it.
Last..was the ABC from the day before..and this powerpack was certainly holding up…
Usually when I leave bottles with the thought of trying them a day later…well… I weaken and open something new. This was a pleasant surprise.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Jim Clendenen celebrated 25 years of winemaking in 2005 and says it was the best vintage in his time. He decided to look back at his “roots” and honor the vineyards that furnished grapes for his (and others) ground-breaking wines that put the area firmly on the world’s winemaking map. The Historic Vineyards Collection on the label is being used to highlight the original important sites.

In Bien Nacido vineyard there are extreme temperature differences..with warm days changing by up to 15° in the night. It is this difference that characterises the wine.

Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir,
Bien Nacido 2005
Historic Vineyards Collection
California, U.S.A.
Cinnamon and cloves stream from the glass…and various spice mixtures..intense dark fruits..thick tannins..but approachable ..a mix of rich fruit that reminded me of sliced marzipan. This is not your typical Pinot Noir..it is a wine that is true to it’s terroir…and although drinkable..will benefit from 5 years in your cellar. An iron fist in an iron glove…this is a power Pinot..probably not found anywhere else in California.
Points 17.75+

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

I have this recurring dream..I am being breast-fed by this buxom lady…the right one has Pinot Noir and the left..Spätburgunder. I am too young to differentiate..but both taste great. I can’t wait to grow up in this dream and learn to appreciate what that baby is missing. My psychiatrist tells me I should change my drinking habits once in a while..that should help. Listen ‘Mr. Couchman’…I think I would have more problems if I was starved of it..the grape I mean…

The last non Pinot/Spätburgunder was over a month ago..and that was a Zinfandel…hang on..I did drink a Chardonnay…but you know what I mean..so…managed to pull the cork of this wine from the south of France.
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah & 20% Cabernet Sauvigon (can’t imagine that lady with this mix..and I am certainly not gonna dream about Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a possible 13 grape varieties!!!)

Domaine Hauvette
Les Baux de Provence rouge 2001
Provence, France
Light meaty nose..some cassis and raspberry..animal aromas..some balsamic..earthy..very soft opening mouthful..gentle Provence spices..elegant….this would have gone with the salmon from the previous post..but I was worried it would be too tannic..not the case…very discrete..a cool style that the French do so well..imagine a cross between a Bordeaux and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape….and you would end up with this.
Points 17.25

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

There used to be a radio program…probably still is…..that was about Desert Island Discs…..you had to choose 10 records you would take with you..and one essential ‘extra’. Let’s change the idea a little..10 different wines…and a corkscrew...
I’m not going to start listing all the great wines I have drunk over the years that I would pack in my rucksack…but amongst my selections there would probably not have been one under today’s priced wine.
BUT…one of the most satisfying things about wine drinking is ‘finding’ a wine..then being told a price. Well..this was the other way round….and was purchased in Freiburg on our recent visit to the Black Forest. I asked the shopkeeper to recommend a couple of Spätburgunder from the vintage 2005…he handed me a wine and told me it cost Euros 13,–…I took it home to see if it was a ‘find’
And so it is that a week later I decided to try it.

Comparisons…OK….you go to the local market and see some white truffles costing £1 each..
OR
you go to your local car-lot..and they have a Jaguar for $ 100,–
OR
down at your local liquor store..let’s say called Crazy Joe’s..they have an Aligoté that cost $23.85..Canadian Dollars that is..and you give it 18/20.

Well..the truffles sound a bargain..unless there is a worm in them..
and I havn’t checked the engine of the Jaguar..
and the Aligoté….well..let’s say that is the ‘dream sequence‘ in this little story..
rather like Bobby Ewing in the shower on the Dallas soap TV show….some things just can’t be true!

‘What About The Wine!’….OK OK…but after all this you should be convinced……
‘How About Some Notes!’…..who cares..it could be green with 3 eyes and no nose…well,..actually no nose would be a bummer.
I suppose as this is Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories and not ‘The Rantings Of A Wino’..I had better write something.

The vineyard, in Köndringen, is owned by two guys..Elmar Lehmann und Odin Bauer (his day job is Cellar Master at Freiherrn von Gleichenstein) ..they got together in 2002 and purchased it..with only 20-30 year-old Spätburgunder vines in it…good way to start I suppose.They have since planted Lemberger und Grauburgunder but it’s the Sexy grape we are talking about here. Their first vintage was 2003…which had good reviews….but my guess is that this vintage, in my opinion, perfect for the grape..is better. It spends 12 months in Barrique.The name Zalwander in South Baden dialect means ‘togetherness‘..and so that this young venture has no financial problems..it is run as a part-time concern. Fairy-tale really…

Zalwander Spätburgunder 2005
Baden, Germany
Light-medium colour..with a watery rim…just ignore that all you lovers of thick dark red wines….the aroma is quite complex…Burgundian style…cherries and some vanilla..the palate was medium full with spices, cinnamon..again soft vanilla..and that slight peppery feel on the tongue that gives good Pinot the necessary balance. I have tried many wines at double the price…..are you now convinced? Who wants a bottle sent to them?…even with the postage you are getting a bargain!

Points 17.75…I feel I may even be cheating the wine here….maybe if it had cost double I would have given it 18…..maybe I will next time…

PS…they also produce a ‘better’ Spätburgunder called EEE..using the older vines….heaven knows how good that one is…

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

The vintage 2005 was excellent in both Germany and France….for the sexy grape…Spät-Pinot-Burgunder-Noir.
After my trip to Baden..I decided to try some bottles that were awaiting a cork-pull….all from the vintage. Points for wine, as usual, out of 20…followed by sexiness..out of 10.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

At short notice we had added a day to our trip…5 days this time..and had to spend the first night in a smaller room as our usual one was occupied. As ‘Gasthof zum Rebstock’ is usually closed on Mondays we had booked a table for dinner elsewhere.It was only after we arrived that the staff said they would be open as it was a national holiday. We did have a light lunch tho..on the terrace..more of that later….
FUNNY FUNNY or FUNNY PECULIAR:
We ordered a taxi to take us from Kappelrodeck-Waldulm to Sasbachwalden(the Waldulm is important as we know some people who relied on their car navigation system..and ended up in the wrong place…there is a Rebstock in every second village!!!) …outside waiting was a bus!…enough for 20 people…the owner was driving and explained she had just taken a group somewhere and wouldn’t have got to us in time if she had changed cars. Arriving at Restaurant Fallert..the staff must ha