Duck, Riesling and A Distinguished Southern Gentleman

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of dinner with Tom, Ray, Chris, Ian and friends. Duck, ribs and bok choy were good matches for riesling, champagne and a couple of reds. I had a great evening, but didn't find a "wow" wine in this bunch (I can say that, I brought three of them!) The good thing, I guess, was that my favorite riesling, Haart, was the least expensive one I brought at $39.99. That's always a treat should I decide to do any repeat purchases.

We started with two champagnes and ended with a third. 1981 Lanson, 1995 Tattinger CdC, 1996 Billecart Salmon Clos St. Hilaire

• 1971 Bischofliches Konvikt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Beerenauslese

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  I liked this. This is my first birthyear wine, so I'm probably more biased than I realize, but it was good. I don't like aged Riesling usually, but this is my first older beerenauslese as well. The color was dark burnt orange/gold. The nose had obvious petrol (but not overpowerning at all) and sweetness with honey and toasty toffee on the palate. Great mouthfeel, oily and mouth coating. Long finish. Nice.

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• 2007 Emrich-Schönleber Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Auslese

  Germany, Nahe

  Really sweet, too sweet really and lacking acidity. Ok-

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• 2007 Wegeler Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese Goldkapsel Auction

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  I'm enjoying this much more on the second day than the first. Bright light yellow with a hint of green. Honey, citrus, sweet peaches, perhaps. Long finish. Nice.

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• 1990 Nikolaihof Riesling Vinothek

  Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau

  Almost sour, loads of acid, not enough sweetness. No.

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• 2007 Schäfer-Fröhlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spätlese

  Germany, Nahe

  Nice. My #2 of the night, but no notes.

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• 2007 Weingut Reinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  This was my favorite of the evening. Light bright clear yellow, with a tinge of green. 2nd glass today was just as good. Sweet lemons on the palate. Honey and some green grass, perhaps. Great acidity. Medium to long finish.

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• 1989 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon

  No. Green and acidic. Vinegar? No.

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• 1996 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru

  Wish it had a bit more heft and a touch more fruit, but this was alright. Okay -

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• 1995 Weingut Knoll Riesling Beerenauslese Loibner

  Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau

  Alcohol on midpalate, too sweet.

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