2/12/2024 - oxwombat Likes this wine:

Opened at L'Envol in HK. Slow-oxed for 3 hours before being served, and enjoyed as the fourth red in a great flight for dinner.

This was arguably the best performing bottle of the night, as the only one which did exactly what we expected it to do. Upon first whiff you immediately know this is a Reynaud wine - soaring red fruit backed by herbs and menthol - the alcohol is there but well integrated, adding a touch of welcome spice.

Pignan really is the little brother of Rayas - everything is there, but toned down ever so slightly, and a bit bolder on the palate. However, that is to its benefit than detriment: it's an incredible wine, and a real pleasure to share this with friends. It was also the only wine not to really decline, at least aromatically on the nose.

In a very good spot right now, and even though it will keep for many years I wouldn't hesitate to drink up now - just make sure you slow-ox it enough in advance. Am already looking forward to the next bottle!

First Pignan for many around the table - as always, a pleasure to share with the gang for our celebration dinner.

12/2/2023 - oxwombat Likes this wine:

Opened in HK, decanted and chilled and enjoyed over 2 hours.

This was a gorgeous Abts Erde - it's been a while since I've revisited this wine but with enough air and controlling the temperature this really blossomed into a wonderfully floral and beautifully round Riesling. So enjoyable, so clean, and shows why the hype is real with Keller. This cuvee in particular is definitely one of my favourite wines amongst the Keller line-up.

Will keep at this level for many years, and potentially slight upside. I'd love to keep enjoying this, and see where it goes in 3+ years. Interestingly though, I do think that this bottle was slightly less tightly wound than my previous ones - perhaps it is turning a slight corner and rounding out a bit more. I guess the only way to find out is to try again soon!