Vacation wines

Hotel Sonne, Partschins, IT
Tasted Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Saturday, October 25, 2025 by NoTrollingerPlease with 70 views

Flight 1 - My dinner wines (5 Notes)

  • 2007 Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Riesling Großes Gewächs 94 Points

    Germany, Nahe

    (10/19/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET short tasting notes ***
    Tasted in a Riedel Veloce Cabernet glass, the 2007 Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle GG Riesling presents itself with a deep, clear appearance, displaying a striking gold core and an amber hue. On the nose, this wine is clean and fully developed, offering a deep and dense bouquet of sweet stone fruit, smoke, herbs, and honey. The aromatic intensity is profound, drawing you in with its complexity and maturity.
    On the palate, the wine is dry, though there is a noticeable touch of residual sugar that adds to its charm. The medium (+) acidity is ripe and perfectly integrated, lending vibrancy and balance to the pronounced flavors of yellow stone fruit, sweet mineral notes, and a subtle underlying sweetness. The body is medium (+), supporting the wine’s deep, dense, and balanced character, with a lovely sense of tension throughout. The finish is long, juicy, and harmonious, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and poise. This wine is at its peak and ready to drink now, with no further ageing potential. Rated 94 points, it is a superb example of mature dry Riesling from a benchmark producer.

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  • 1997 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate Le Coste 93 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    (10/19/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET short tasting notes ***
    Tasted from a Riedel Veloce Nebbiolo glass, the 1997 Barolo Brunate Le Coste from Giuseppe Rinaldi, crafted from Nebbiolo and presented in a perfectly stored 0.75-liter bottle, offers a compelling expression of its pedigree. In the glass, the wine displays a clear, medium intensity red hue with garnet and tawny reflections, signaling its maturity and evolution.
    On the nose, the wine is clean and fully developed, exuding a harmonious and dense bouquet. Aromas of rose petals, fresh herbs, and red fruit intermingle, underpinned by a deep, perfumed complexity that speaks to the wine’s great balance and age.
    The palate is dry, with high, ripe, and perfectly integrated acidity, and high, velvety tannins that provide both structure and finesse. Medium (+) alcohol and body support a medium (+) flavor intensity, echoing the nose with notes of herbs, mineral, and red fruit. The wine’s texture and structure are notable, and it shows even greater harmony and depth on the second day. The finish is medium in length, leaving a lingering impression of elegance.
    This Barolo is at its peak and ready to drink now, with no further ageing potential. Awarded 93 points, it stands as a testament to both the vintage and the producer’s skill.

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  • 2007 Wittmann Westhofener Morstein Riesling Großes Gewächs 97 Points

    Germany, Rheinhessen

    (10/21/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET short tasting notes ***
    Tasted in a Riedel Veloce Cabernet glass, the 2007 Wittmann Morstein GG Riesling (0.75 liter) presents a youthful, glowing pale gold hue, with a clear and radiant appearance that hints at its vibrancy. On the nose, the wine is clean and developing, offering a deep, dense, and complex perfume. Aromas of honey, delicate floral notes, fresh stone fruit, and herbs intertwine with a distinct crushed stone minerality, creating an amazing aromatic profile.
    On the palate, this dry Riesling reveals noticeable sweetness from extract and residual sugar, perfectly balanced by high, ripe, racy, and lively acidity. Medium (+) alcohol and body support pronounced flavors of yellow stone fruit, lime oil, crushed stones, and herbs. The wine is marked by perfect balance and harmony, with impressive density, depth, and a palpable tension and energy. The finish is long, juicy, and delicious, leaving a lasting impression.
    This bottle is at full peak, ready to drink now yet possessing clear potential for further ageing. Awarded 97 points, the 2007 Morstein GG is a masterful expression of Riesling, showcasing both the pedigree of Wittmann and the unique character of the Morstein vineyard.

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  • 2001 Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Forster Ungeheuer Riesling

    Germany, Pfalz

    (10/24/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET short tasting notes ***
    Tasted in a Riedel Veloce Cabernet glass, this 2001 Forster Ungeheuer Riesling from Dr. Bürklin-Wolff presents itself as a perfect bottle in a 0.75 liter format. In the glass, the wine displays a clear, youthful medium intensity golden hue, reflecting its pristine condition and careful cellaring.
    On the nose, the wine is clean and fully developed, offering medium intensity aromas that are both complex and multi-layered. Notes of citrus fruit and grapefruit are complemented by distinctive mineral elements such as rock flour and smoke, alongside clear stone fruit. The bouquet is deep, dense, and reveals remarkable aromatic complexity.
    The palate is dry, with ripe, high acidity that lends vibrancy and structure. Medium alcohol and a medium-plus body support a flavor profile of fresh grapefruit, pronounced minerality, and sweet stone fruit. The wine is wonderfully balanced, with great tension and depth, showcasing its complexity and precision. The finish is long and mineral-driven, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and refinement.
    This Riesling is at its peak and ready to drink now, with no further ageing potential. Awarded 94 points, it stands as a testament to the producer’s skill and the exceptional character of the vintage.

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  • 2008 Georg Breuer Rüdesheimer Berg Schloßberg Riesling 97 Points

    Germany, Rheingau

    (10/25/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted from a standard 0.75 liter bottle, the 2008 Georg Breuer Berg Schlossberg Riesling presents itself in the glass with a clear, youthful glow and a pale intensity, displaying captivating shades of lemon and gold. On the nose, the wine is clean and developing, offering a deep and dense bouquet of smoke, pronounced minerality, citrus fruit, honey, and ripe stone fruit. Despite its age, it remains strikingly youthful and tight, hinting at further evolution.
    The palate is dry, with almost racy, ripe medium (+) acidity and a medium body, supported by medium alcohol. Flavor intensity is pronounced, revealing layers of crushed and wet stones, stone fruit, honey, fresh herbs, and a subtle smokiness. The wine’s tension and energy are remarkable, with a wonderful balance and impressive depth. The finish is long and energetic, leaving lingering notes of citrus fruit. This is a perfect bottle, not yet at its full peak, and shows excellent potential for further ageing. Rated 97 points, it can be enjoyed now but promises even greater complexity with time in the cellar.

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Flight 2 - Our usual tasting (7 Notes)

  • 2010 Weingut Keller Abts E® Riesling Großes Gewächs 95 Points

    Germany, Rheinhessen

    (10/22/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted from a 0.75 liter bottle, this 2010 Keller Abtserde GG Riesling was popped and poured. In the glass, the wine presents a clear, medium intensity golden hue, reflecting its developing character. On the nose, it is clean and medium in intensity, offering deep, complex aromas of crushed stones, sweet exotic fruit, and delicate floral notes, all underscored by a fresh vibrancy.
    The palate is dry, with ripe, perfectly integrated high acidity and medium alcohol. Medium-plus in body, it delivers pronounced flavors of sweet fruit, crushed stones, and floral notes, complemented by a subtle hint of honey. The wine shows beautiful tension and energy, with a dense, juicy texture and very good balance. The finish is long, juicy, and complex, leaving a lasting impression. This Riesling is drinking beautifully now but has the potential to age gracefully for another 3-5+ years. Rated 95+ points.

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  • 2020 Cantina D'Arcy Langhe Nebbiolo 87 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

    (10/22/2025)

    Tasted fully blind from a 0.75 liter bottle, the 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo from D‘arcy presents in the glass with a clear, medium intensity ruby-red hue. On the nose, the wine is clean and developing, offering medium intensity aromas of red fruit, cherries, and subtle notes of spice and fresh herbs. While not overly complex, the bouquet is inviting and balanced.
    On the palate, this dry Nebbiolo reveals high acidity that feels a bit nervous, complemented by high, slightly rough tannins and a medium (+) alcohol level. The medium-bodied profile carries flavors of red artificial fruit, mineral undertones, fresh herbs, and a noticeable touch of vanilla. The flavor intensity is medium, and the finish lingers at a medium length, echoing the wine’s nervy character.
    Overall, this Langhe Nebbiolo is approachable now but shows potential for further ageing. While it is enjoyable, it does not quite reach the heights of top examples from the region. Rated 87 points.

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  • 2012 Domaine de la Grange des Pères Pays d'Hérault 91 Points

    France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Pays d'Hérault

    (10/22/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted fully blind from a 0.75 liter bottle, the 2012 Grange des Peres Red Blend presents itself in the glass with a deep, clear hue, displaying vibrant ruby and garnet tones. On the nose, the wine is notably unclean and faulty, with deep intensity and developing character, marked by unusual and unpleasant aromas of mushroom, sauerkraut, and barnyard, which persist even with extended aeration.
    The palate, however, offers a striking contrast, showing a dry profile with medium acidity and medium (+) silky, velvety tannins. The high alcohol is very well integrated, supporting a full body and medium (+) flavor intensity. Flavors of clear red and dark fruit mingle with herbal notes and a touch of white pepper, all set within a very good balance and a silky, rather cool texture. The finish is long, elegant, and juicy, leaving a refined impression.
    While the palate is very good, the nose remains problematic and does not improve significantly with air. The wine is ready to drink now but possesses the potential to age for another decade. Rated 91 points on the 100-point scale.

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  • 2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Don Fiorino Riserva 94 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

    (10/22/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted fully blind from a 0.75 liter bottle, the 2016 Don Fiorino Riserva by Produttori di Barbaresco, crafted from Nebbiolo, presents itself in a clear, deep ruby red hue. On the nose, the wine is clean and displays a youthful yet developing bouquet, with deep to medium intensity. Aromas of rose petals, herbs, and spices are prominent, creating a round, balanced, and harmonious aromatic profile.
    The palate is dry, with high acidity that is ripe and wonderfully integrated, complemented by high tannins that remain a bit nervous and suggest further ageing potential. Medium (+) alcohol and body support a pronounced flavor intensity, revealing mineral notes and an abundance of red fruit. The wine is dense, tight, and deep, with palpable tension and energy, culminating in a long, persistent finish.
    Currently, the Don Fiorino Riserva is too young and will benefit from at least five more years in the cellar to fully unfold its potential. With a great upside for ageing, this wine is rated 94 points, promising an impressive evolution for those with patience.

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  • 1997 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia

    (10/22/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted fully blind in a standard 0.75 liter bottle, the 1997 Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido presents itself as a deep, clear red wine, displaying vibrant ruby and garnet hues. On the nose, it is clean and fully developed, with pronounced intensity. Aromas evoke barnyard notes (Brett), classic Cabernet character, and a cool, refined profile.
    The palate is dry, with medium-plus acidity and high, silky tannins, supported by medium alcohol and a medium-plus body. Flavor intensity is notable, revealing clean red fruit, subtle green peppers, white pepper, and a delicate array of spices. The wine is elegant and balanced, with a beautiful texture and structure. The finish is long, juicy, and refined.
    At full peak, this wine is ready to drink now with no further ageing potential. It stands out for its harmony and sophistication, earning a commendable 93 points.

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  • 1990 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Auslese Nr. 23 94 Points

    Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

    (10/22/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted from a 0.75 liter bottle of the 1990 Karthäuserberg Auslese #23 by Weingut Karthäuserhof, this Riesling presents a clear, medium intensity white appearance with a rather youthful gold hue. On the nose, the wine is clean and developing, offering medium intensity aromas of cassis, elder, honey, spices, and wet stone. The bouquet is notably complex, deep, dense, and fresh.
    On the palate, this sweet Riesling is perfectly balanced by racy, high acidity that is ripe and seamlessly integrated. The medium-bodied profile delivers pronounced flavors of cassis, elder, lime, mineral, and ripe stone fruit, all underscored by wonderful tension and energy. The wine is lively, fresh, and juicy, culminating in a very long, juicy, and lingering finish. At full peak and ready to drink now, this bottle—perfectly stored—stands out as the best experienced so far, meriting a 94-point rating.

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  • 2009 Château Rieussec 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    (10/22/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted from a standard 0.75 liter bottle, the 2009 Chateaux Rieussec Sauternes White Blend presents a glowing gold-amber hue in the glass, with clear clarity and medium intensity. On the nose, the wine is clean and developing, offering classic botrytis-driven aromas of honey, white pepper, and sweet fruit. While the bouquet is typical for Sauternes, it is not overly complex.
    The palate is luscious and extremely sweet, with medium-plus acidity balancing the richness. High alcohol and a full body contribute to its powerful presence, while pronounced flavors of botrytis, honey, spices, oak, vanilla, and dried fruit dominate. The wine is almost painfully sweet and, despite its intensity, comes across as rather one-dimensional. The long finish is sweet, spicy, and warm.
    This Sauternes can be enjoyed now but also has the potential to age for decades. It is very well made, though it may lack excitement for some palates. Rated 91 points.

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Flight 3 - Some supplements (2 Notes)

  • 2021 Cécilia oglasa Toscana IGT 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (10/24/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted from a standard 0.75 liter bottle, the 2021 Oglasa Syrah by Cecilia presents itself in the glass with a deep, clear red hue, displaying vibrant purple and ruby tones. On the nose, the wine is clean and youthful, with developing aromas that are marked by precise, cool notes of clear red and dark fruit. There is an admirable purity to the bouquet, with no trace of cooked or stewed fruit, and an overall impression of freshness and clarity.
    The palate is dry, with medium-plus acidity and medium-plus, ripe, polished tannins. High alcohol is very well integrated, supporting a medium-plus body that remains precise and never broad or heavy. The flavor intensity is medium-plus, driven by clean, primary fruit and a distinctive mineral core. The finish is medium in length, leaving a pleasant, fruity impression.
    This Syrah is approachable now but shows clear potential for further ageing, likely improving over the next few years. Overall, it is a well-crafted wine, earning a rating of 89 points, and offers a compelling balance of fruit purity, structure, and finesse.

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  • 2016 Nervi-Conterno Gattinara 92 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Gattinara

    (10/24/2025)

    *** AI generated text based on my WSET style short tasting notes ***
    Tasted in a standard 0.75 liter bottle, this 2016 Nervi Gattinara, crafted from Nebbiolo, was popped and poured. In the glass, the wine presents a clear, medium-intensity ruby red hue. On the nose, it is clean and youthful, with medium aromatic intensity. Distinct notes of clear red fruit and cherries mingle with hints of salt, wet stones, and subtle herbs. The bouquet is tight and somewhat muted, suggesting the wine needs time and air to fully express itself.
    On the palate, the wine is dry with ripe, high acidity and high, slightly rough tannins. Medium (+) alcohol and a medium body frame the flavors, which echo the nose: red fruit, fine oak, fresh herbs, and a pronounced mineral character. The structure is taut and energetic, with good tension, and the finish is medium (+) in length. Overall, this Gattinara is still very young and tight, showing promise but requiring 3–5 more years of cellaring to reach its potential. Rated 92 points, it is a wine to watch as it evolves.

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