3/1/2021 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Breaking Bread Winery 2018 Grenache: Minimal intervention wine-making resulting in a wine that’s fresh and elegant in style with a nice mix of higher toned red berries, minerality, and savory spice—an incredibly versatile food-pairing wine.

3/1/2021 - Dezel wrote:

River Road Vineyards’ 2017 Stephanie's Cuvee Pinot Noir (SRP $29): Sourced from estate and family-owned vineyards in Green Valley of Russian River Valley, this pleasing Pinot delivers flavors of cherry cola, purple stone fruit, baking spice, and cedar box with touches of vanilla bean lingering on the finish. It’s medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a touch of grip on the back-end. I enjoyed it with meatloaf brushed with a red wine glaze and garlic mash (lovely match).

2/28/2021 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Their 2019 Rosé of Grenache from Arroyo Seco (Monterey County) is delectable (and highly-drinkable). It pours light salmon pink with a vibrant and racy entry. The flavors are fresh and delicate, delivering lovely notes of red berries, rose-water and white flowers, wrapped in a pleasant, citrusy acidity with a clean finish. This is why you sip rose year-round!

2/28/2021 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Rock Wall Wine Co. 2018 Maggie's Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel (SRP $50): This appealing bottling is sourced from a historic heritage vineyard that was planted in 1901. These gnarly head-trained vines are some of the oldest in Sonoma Valley. The vineyard is unique for being inter-planted with white wine grape varieties: Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Palomino. A true field blend, the wine is co-fermented with small percentages of these grapes. From first swirl and sniff, this wine is simply gorgeous. There are fresh notes of black cherry, red plum, and dried citrus rind on the entry, trailed by incense-like spices and savory tones on the back end, all held together by a vivid structure and elegant acidity. Fine grained tannins lead to a flavorful and lengthy finish. Such a pleasing table companion, get some before it’s gone! Region: Sonoma Valley, California. Other info: ABV 14.4%, matured in 63% neutral oak, 30% new French oak, and 7% new American oak, natural cork enclosure.

Full Post: vinespot.blogspot.com/2020/08/rock-wall-wine-co-2018-maggies.html

2/25/2021 - Dezel wrote:

Left Coast Estate ’17 Pinot Gris: Grown in the Orchards, a historic site originally planted to apples by settlers of Holmes Gap, this refreshing wine brims with apple, pear, and bright citrus notes on the nose and palate. It's mouthwatering with a crisp finish that has a tangy mineral edge to it. I enjoyed it with crab cakes. This is a reputable producer specializing in sustainably-farmed, single-vineyard wines (find their Pinot Noirs!). Check them out at leftcoastwine.com.

11/1/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Balletto Vineyards & Winery—a family-owned, estate winery in Sonoma’s beautiful Russian River Valley. These people grow delicious and expressive wines; I've had their Pinots on several occasions. Their 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir is a pure delight, offering a poised medley of red berries and stone fruit on both the nose and palate. A well-balanced, medium bodied refresher with medium acidity; it ends in a pleasant juicy finish. I enjoyed it with (air-fried) red snapper fish & chips

10/20/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Three Wine Company 2016 Live Oak Vineyard Zinfandel (SRP $36): The dirt, micro-climate, and sustainable wine-growing (from vineyard to bottle) form the foundation of “Three,” yet Matt Cline says: "the dirt, the micro-climate, and don't screw it up (lol)." This bottling is sourced from a vineyard planted by Italian immigrants in 1885. The site is naturally low-yielding and produces a big but supple wine bursting with personality. It leads with ripe flavors of purple stone fruit, black raspberry, and a generous dash of pepper with a [muted] savory edge of dried herb and spices. In the mouth it’s full and nicely textured with just a slight grip of tannins on the finish. A wonderful addition to any feast—especially those that involve the backyard grill.

10/19/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Rombauer Vineyards 2017 El Dorado Zinfandel (SRP $42): This wine pours a bright ruby color. It is comprised of 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Sirah. Opulent aromas of sun-kissed red fruit and crushed brown spice fill the nose. The palate is ripe and concentrated with rich, rounded texture, delivering deep flavors of raspberry tart, purple stone fruit, and blackberry preserve, followed by hints of floral perfume with a generous dash of sweet oak lingering on the finish. Big and intense, yet there’s enough acidity to provide lift. It would be a nice sipper on its own (it’s everything the fireside calls for on a cold winter's night) or equally enjoyable paired with a hearty meal. Region: Sierra Foothills, California. Other info: ABV 15.9%, hand-harvested/sorted, matured 15 months in French and American oak, natural cork enclosure.

10/13/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Breaking Bread Winery 2018 Zinfandel (SRP $24): Breaking Bread is a new project by winemaker Erik Miller (Kokomo Winery) that takes a hands-off, non-interventionist approach to winemaking. This medium-bodied Zinfandel is made in a lighter, harmonious (and it is), fresher style, offering juicy aromas of red berries (both dried & fresh) that join plum and gentle earthy tones on the palate, with notable grip gaining on the spice-tinged finish. I served it at cellar temperature (i.e., 55° to 57°F) and paired it with grilled bacon turkey burgers—a food and wine pairing that did not disappoint. Check them out at breakingbreadwines.com.

10/13/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Villa Maria 2019 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $17): Affordable and reliable year-to-year, this refreshing wine is a blend of vineyards throughout Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere Valleys. Summertime in a glass, it leads with bright citrus flavors interwoven with dried herbs, orchard fruit, and white flowers, ending with a crisp yet textured finish.

10/9/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Acquiesce Winery 2018 Picpoul Blanc: This is a lovely, single-varietal rendition of a lesser-known Rhône variety. It’s crisp, delicate, and fresh with vibrant aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon balm, and hints of spring flowers—all framed by racing, mineral-tinged acidity. A real delight in the glass and even better when paired with food; I recently enjoyed it with Greek chicken salad. This Lodi winery only makes white wine (and one rosé) and everything I’ve tasted from them has been top-notch. An excellent wine to complement your summer menu—you can check Acquiesce out at acquiescevineyards.com.

10/9/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Wagner Vineyards' 2019 Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc pours a beautiful pale color; it’s bright, racy, sleek in the mouth—delicate red berry flavors mingle with citrus zest, a pretty floral note, and wet stone undertones that build on the finish. Some wines just sound like summer and this tasty refresher is one of them. It’s under $15 and ready to unscrew, pour, and enjoy.

7/28/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Mount Peak 2017 Rattlesnake Zinfandel: Rattlesnake aside, the first thing you notice about this wine is the beautiful packaging—this bottle stands out on a crowded store shelve. Now picking this bottle up is like exercise (lol); this is one of those heavy bruisers. It’s named for Rattlesnake Hill, the peak of historic Monte Rosso vineyard where rattlesnakes live among the vines (yikes!). As for the wine, it’s robust, concentrated and mouth-filling, displaying an explosion of rich aromas and ripe flavors of dark chocolate covered cherries, plum preserve, pie crust, licorice, and a dash of Asian spice. It is big; but carries its weight well and is quite delicious.

myvinespot.com

7/27/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Robert Biale 2018 Old Kraft Vineyard Zinfandel (SRP $55): This appealing Zinfandel is made from truly old vines, dating back to circa 1890. A deep ruby color, the wine is beautifully defined by gracefulness, good depth, fine-grained tannins, and a bright personality. Vibrant aromas of black cherry and red plum combine with tea leaf, spice tones, and hints of complex savory elements on the palate, ending with notable length. Though full-bodied, the wine is impeccably balanced and light on its feet. It is drinking nicely right now, but I have a feeling its best is yet to come. Only 367 cases of this wine were produced. Region: St. Helena, Napa Valley, California. Other info: ABV 14.6%, hand-sorted, pressed to Burgundian oak—24% new, aged 11 months, natural cork enclosure.

myvinespot.com

7/26/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Premonition Cellars 2019 Rosé de Pinot Noir: Eye-catching electrified watermelon in appearance. A mélange of flavors include wild strawberry, citrus zest, and wet river rock, with a steady beam of bright acidity adding lift. Only 18 cases produced. You want this in your glass! SRP $26 | premonitioncellars.com

7/23/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Villa Maria 2019 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $14): Palate-pleasing, pocket-friendly and deliciously refreshing with bright fruit flavors of stone fruit, lemongrass, and lime with notable streaks of pepper pushing the finish. Always a versatile pick when it comes to food.

7/20/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Frank Family Vineyards 2018 Carneros Chardonnay (SRP $38): Straw-gold in appearance, this full-bodied wine boasts aromas of ripe tree fruit, baking spice, and a wisp of perfume. The concentrated palate offers lemon curd and fresh cut pear flavors complemented by suggestions of vanilla oak, pie crust, and sweet brown baking spices. There’s appealing freshness and zing to this wine, making it an excellent food companion. If you see it on a restaurant wine list or the shelves of your local wine shop, buy with confidence—this selection will not disappoint. Region: Carneros (both Sonoma and Napa counties), California. Other info: ABV 14.4%, barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once-used, and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months, aged sur lie, natural cork enclosure.

myvinespot.com

7/14/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Leclerc Briant Brut Réserve NV tonight with grilled halibut—if I can stop drinking it. Delicious wine; lively mousse, fine acidity, it has flavors of slightly bruised apple, notable brioche character, roasted almonds, and lemon zest.

7/11/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Henschke 2016 Henry's Seven (SRP $48): This is a compelling Shiraz-based blend carefully sourced from vineyards throughout Eden and Barossa Valley. A traditional practice in Côte Rôtie, (66%) Shiraz is co-fermented with (9%) Viognier, while Grenache (15%) and Mataro (10%) are fermented separately. A beautiful ruby-purple color in the glass, this full-bodied blend starts out with savory, floral-laced aromas joined on the entry by flavors of vibrant cherries, ripe blackberries, and stewed plum, with trailing hints of pretty violet and exotic spice. There’s good mid-palate depth, rounded out by seamless, finely-knit tannins and well-balanced, fresh acidity. It ends with a long, polished finish. An excellent addition to any dinner table that’s sure to please.

myvinespot.com

7/11/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Modales Wines 2018 Pinot Gris: Pours medium straw; bright profile, nicely textured, and refreshingly fruity, offering vibrant flavors of apple, perfumed pear and stone fruit, backed by firm [citrusy] acidity and a lingering, juicy finish. Aptly named (Grigio vs Gris) based on style; this wine is enjoyable on its own yet extremely versatile at the table. One things for certain, Michigan wine is full of pleasant surprises!

7/10/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Modales Wines 2016 Cabernet Franc (SRP $24): Medium-bodied, harmonious, fresh character (...and smells wonderful); there’s notes of black cherry, blackberry, and spiced fruitcake with a delicious savory edge. Lovely texture with no hard edges, although slight grip on the juicy finish. Michigan-grown and an absolute delight!

7/10/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Alma de Cattleya 2019 Sauvignon Blanc: Here‘s another beauty from winemaker Bibiana González, sourced from several hillside vineyards throughout Sonoma County. Unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is young and fresh—and very aromatic—loaded with lifted notes of grapefruit, citrus blossom, stone fruit, and lemon zest, as well as an unexpected hint of fennel (nice!), backed by juicy acidity. Nice textured mouthfeel but at the same time racy. Incredibly gulpable and delightful wine! SRP $22.

7/8/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Alma de Cattleya 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir (SRP $20): Here’s a case where the wine tastes as good as it looks from the outside (...and the label is gorgeous!). The artwork is an orchid, a Cattleya, which is the national flower of Columbia—the native country of winemaker Bibiana González. Fruit for this rosé was sourced from some of the coolest areas in Sonoma County (namely Sonoma Coast and Carneros). It offers expressions of wild strawberries and spring flowers with a core of bright, citrusy acidity keeping it fresh through the finish.

myvinespot.com

7/8/2020 - Dezel wrote:

This 2017 Cariñena bottling comes from cooperative winery Bodega San Valero (BSV) in Cariñena DO of northeastern Spain. The grape is Carignan; spelled Carignane in California, and Cariñena in Spain.

It pours medium-ruby with leading flavors of black cherry, stewed plum and licorice, followed by peppery spice and a notable dash of bitter citrus peel on the finish. Medium-bodied with good, zesty acidity and fine tannins—and at SRP $14.99, it delivers satisfaction at a modest price point.

7/7/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Cameron Hughes 2013 Pinot Noir: Popped and poured—if tasted blind, my first guess would be Syrah. This wine is fuller-bodied. Aromas and flavors of dark berries, tar, bacon fat, and hints of violet ride a complementary backbone of acidity, with sweet mid-palate richness and grip on the finish. Underlying bright red streaks and a trace of cola, found in some examples of Pinot, emerge after some time in the glass. I have 3 more bottles, so I’ll have to bag one and taste it with friends. Under $20

7/7/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Boundary Breaks 2016 Ovid Line North Riesling: Medium-dry, fresh, balanced [citrusy] acidity; showing bright stone fruit and ripe yellow-fleshed fruit flavors with a dash of mineral on the finish. Irresistibly gulpable; this wine was a good garden companion and paired nicely with my spicy garlic shrimp lunch. Attractively priced at SRP $13.

7/6/2020 - Dezel wrote:

High Note 2017 Malbec: At SRP $12, this wine offers great bang for the buck. Sourced from a number of high-altitude vineyards throughout Uco Valley, High Note serves up juicy flavors of plum and high-toned red berry fruit dotted by hints of spice and violet. Fresh and balanced acidity, lead to a subtly rich and round finish. Bonus: the packaging totally rocks!

7/6/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Iapetus 2017 Figure 2: I enjoyed this acid-driven pét-nat (short for Pétillant Naturel) with smoked salmon pinwheels the other day. It’s Vermont-grown (Yes, Vermont!) and made from 100% La Crescent grapes, with flavors of citrus cream, brioche and toasted almond. This tasty natural sparkler definitely deserves a place at the table for any occasion.

7/5/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Pech Merle Wine (pronounced Pesh-Mael) 2018 Ivy Rosé de Carignan: Fresh, bright throughout, & fruity with a savory edge, this refreshing rosé possesses aromas and flavors of ripe red berries wrapped in a citrusy acidity, finishing with subtle yet unmistakable herbal notes. Very enjoyable, and I agree with the owners: the name may be hard to say, but the wine is easy to drink. Check them out at pechmerlewinery.com.

7/5/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Easy-drinking and satisfying wine from Campo de Borja DO in northeastern Spain. It opens with notes of sweet black cherry, raspberry, and stewed plum with hints of singed herb trailing through the finish. In the mouth it is medium-bodied and well-balanced—nicely rounded with no hard edges. Attractively packaged and priced (SRP $9).

3/5/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Acquiesce Winery 2018 Bourboulenc: Well, here’s a grape you don’t see every day. Bourboulenc is an ancient [white] variety mainly grown in southern France. If you’ve ever experienced a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, chances are you’ve tried it. In Lodi, California, Acquiesce Winery was the first producer in the States to release a varietal bottling. Their 2018 release is medium-bodied with a lively edge. It boasts inviting aromas of orange blossom and chamomile, merging with fresh citrus flavors and a trace of star anise on the palate. Tangy acidity and a streak of stony minerality drive the clean, crisp finish. There's always something new to discover, and this delicious Bourboulenc should be at the top of your list. Only 386 cases were produced.

3/2/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

This producer specializes in small-lots of sparkling and still wines made from Santa Lucia Highlands grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit. This rosé pours a beautiful pale pink color. It’s fresh, racy and pure—nicely focused, too. There are bright notes of stone fruit, red berries and citrus blossom with a bracing jolt of juicy acidity through the mineral-tinged finish. Just lovely! Available in 500ml and magnum formats.

2/25/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Rodney Strong Vineyards 2014 Symmetry: Symmetry is the producer’s flagship. A blend of best barrels, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led Meritage is sourced from estate properties. It pours deep garnet-purple. In the mouth it is rich and layered yet well-balanced, combining plum, ripe blackberry and licorice with faint hints of mocha and forest floor, ending with mildly dry tannins. Delicious wine; begs to be paired with a hearty meal.

2/3/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Domaines Barons de Rothschild 2016 (Lafite) Légende Rouge: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot; this medium-bodied wine offers bright fruit flavors with appealing savory characteristics over a streamlined texture and fine-grained tannins. It is well-balanced with a firm backbone of acidity keeping it fresh from start to finish. An easy-drinking and enjoyable wine from Lafite's ‘Légende’ portfolio aimed at delivering good, everyday wines at affordable price points. This tasty number is under $20 and well worth seeking out. The wines higher acid and lower alcohol makes it incredibly flexible at the dinner table.

2/3/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

McIntyre 2015 Kimberly Vineyards Merlot ($25): Made from 100% estate-grown Merlot fruit, this wine pours a beautiful purple garnet color. It’s quite attractive, delivering a satisfying combination of elegance, freshness, and ripeness. Generous dark-skinned fruit and crushed flowers fill the nose. The palate is richly textured yet really graceful, with fine-polished tannins framing a supple core of plum, cassis, and cedary black cherry flavors, with overtones of toasted fennel seeds and mineral hints weaving through the medium-long, lifted finish. This wine is a very good candidate to cellar, though it's plenty enjoyable to drink right now. Only 190 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California. Other info: ABV 14%, Sustainability In Practice (SIP) certified, cork enclosure.

1/22/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Crisp, extremely versatile, and, above all, budget-friendly. If you see the ‘Z’ in your local shops buy with confidence. I’ve enjoyed the brut and sparkling rosé, too. All are well-made and very enjoyable.

1/14/2020 - Dezel wrote:

Zardetto Prosecco NV Sparkling Rosé Extra Dry: File this sparkler under fun, satisfying, and affordable (under $20). Not only will sparklers like this liven up any occasion, but they’re great dinner companions, too. Produced from 100% Raboso Veronese, this wine is easy-drinking and fresh with soft red fruit flavors and a crisp finish.

1/7/2020 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Yalumba 2018 Bush Vine Grenache (SRP $20): Light ruby color, medium-bodied; lifted aromas of red berries and pretty, perfume-like floral notes are joined on the palate by tart red fruit, white pepper, and brown spice—all set against soft tannins and bright acidity. A very enjoyable sipper, this Grenache delivers good value for the money. Should you see it on your store shelf, buy with confidence.

12/26/2019 - Dezel wrote:

Chateau De Berne Inspiration: A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this rosé pours a pink-salmon color. It’s bright throughout and packed with juicy, crushed red berries and citrus rind followed by a smidgen of hay. There’s some richness on the palate; yet it remains refreshing and food-friendly.

12/12/2019 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Donelan Family Wines 2012 Kobler Vineyard Syrah: Appealing Syrah co-fermented with 10% Viognier. Deep and inky, this wine leads with smoke, tar, and roasted meats, trailed by notes of black cherry, blueberry compote, black tea, violets, and a hint of Asian five spice powder. It’s rich in fruit yet elegant in style—fresh in the mouth, finely textured, with polished tannins and a nice, lingering finish. Drinking beautifully right now ...SRP $50

10/28/2019 - Dezel Likes this wine:

This small, family-owned and operated Sonoma-based wine producer just celebrated their 30th vintage. They specialize in small-production wines sourced from Sonoma County's Russian River Valley appellation. Their 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir displays a lovely pale salmon color in the glass. In the mouth, it is fresh and racy with a mélange of bright red berries, stone fruit, and crushed rose petal notes leading to a dry, energetic finish. An excellent choice for Thanksgiving dinner (hint, hint)—I tasted it in October and turkey day is on the mind (obviously …lol).

10/22/2019 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Fields Family Wines ’14 Stampede Vineyard Zinfandel (SRP $28): This delicious Zinfandel is produced from 75-85 year old vines and made in small lots (only 100 cases made) with minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar. A bright ruby color, this medium-bodied wine is juicy with beautiful raciness—showing a good sense of balance between richness, freshness and finesse. It offers appealing aromas and flavors of cherry and tart plum (gorgeous fruit), with notes of dill, spice, perfume, and loam adding complexity. This wine paired exceptionally well with the cherry/pecan baby-backs I smoked over the weekend. If you enjoy vibrant, food-friendly Zins that flirt with elegance, then this is your ticket.

10/7/2019 - Dezel wrote:

Beso de Vino 2016 Garnacha: 'Antonio the Bull' is fun, easy-going and satisfying for the money. It is medium-bodied and pours a deep ruby color. There are upfront flavors of dried cherry and black plum followed by hints of cocoa and underbrush. Antonio the Bull is widely available and under $10—it’s a pleasing midweek option for pizza and burgers as well as fall chili and stews.

10/5/2019 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Stinson Vineyards 2015 Meritage (SRP $31): This is a really well put together estate-grown Meritage. Composed of 43% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 21% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, it blends richness with finesse—quite effortlessly. It pours deep ruby. Aromas of black cherry, raspberry tart (pretty fruit) and exotic spice dominate; joining flavors of red plum, earth tones and fennel on the medium-bodied palate. It has pleasant acidity with polished tannins and a lingering finish. Only 300 cases of this wine were produced. With the holiday season right around the corner, this is an excellent bottle of wine to have in-hand for your next dinner party. Learn more at stinsonvineyards.com.

8/25/2019 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Cameron Hughes Wine 2017 Lot 631 Pinot Gris: Here’s a crisp and fresh—very affordable ($12)—Willamette Valley-grown Pinot Gris. Inviting scents of green apple and Asian pear marry with honeysuckle and citrus zest on the palate. A combination of bright fruit and juicy acidity makes this wine perfect for a sunny summer day; with or without food. For those unfamiliar, CH generally offers great bang for the buck, so watch out for other good deals. To learn more, visit chwine.com.

10/11/2018 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Loimer NV Brut Rosé (SRP $32): This sparkler pours a vibrant salmon-pink color with a persistent mousse and fine, tiny bubbles. Composed of 58% Zweigelt, 35% Pinot Noir and 7% Chardonnay, the nose delivers freshly picked summer red fruits. On the palate, there are flavors of cherry, strawberry shortcake, rose water, jasmine and a trace of brioche. It’s fresh and crisp, with balanced acidity wrapped in a light, creamy texture, ending in a medium-long, flavorful finish. This is a delicious traditional method sparkler on its own, and yet a wonderful companion to Sunday brunch fare, sushi, grilled prawns, pan-seared tuna and more. Region: Niederösterreich, Austria. Other info: ABV 12%, sur-lie aging, full ML, aged in barrel and stainless, aged 10 months before bottling and one year in bottle, cork enclosure.

Full story here: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2018/08/loimer-nv-brut-rose-wow-worthy.html

10/1/2018 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Von Winning 2015 Winnings Riesling (SRP $18): Riesling is almost synonymous with German wine. It is a noble grape variety capable of producing some of the most compelling, long-lived white wines in the world. It is the most beloved and widely planted grape in Germany. The wines produced range in style from bone-dry to dessert in a glass. This one is slightly off-dry, meaning there’s a perceptible but subtle trace of sweetness. Winnings is highly aromatic, with inviting aromas and flavors of green apple, ripe pear, and citrus zest, backed by lively acidity with just a slow trickle of wet rock fading into a candied, textured finish. You won’t be disappointed with this bottle. You’ll likely even consider it winning! Region: Pfalz, Germany. Other info: ABV 11.5%, screw cap enclosure.

See full post at: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2018/09/endless-summer-with-german-white-wines.html

10/1/2018 - Dezel wrote:

Koehler-Ruprecht 2016 Pinot Blanc (SRP $20): Koehler-Ruprecht has existed since the 1700s, fostering a philosophy of sustainability and a minimalist approach to winemaking. Over the last three decades, consulting winemaker Bernd Phillipi's has pushed the envelope with regards to quality, solidifying the winery's world-class reputation. Pinot Blanc is a descendant of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, favoring cooler climates. This wine is bright and fresh in the mouth, with lifted notes of stone fruit and high-toned tree fruit flavors, laced with delicate suggestions of honey, ginger, and rose water. While more than delightful on its own, it would also shine at the table. Region: Pfalz, Germany. Other info: ABV 11.5%, cork enclosure.

Full post at: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2018/09/endless-summer-with-german-white-wines.html

10/1/2018 - Dezel Likes this wine:

Weinreich Basisweiss 2017 Pinot Gris (SRP $12): The Weinreich family estate is a certified organic sustainable vineyard. Minimal intervention is employed in the cellar. Pinot Gris, the same grape as Pinot Grigio, is known as Grauburgunder in Germany. It’s a cousin of Pinot Noir and also prefers a long, cool growing season. The grape has deep roots in Germany’s Pfalz region, dating back to the nineteenth century, where it was first identified as an individual variety and vinified separately. Charmingly scented, this wine is thoroughly enjoyable with a bracing, mineral-tinged acidity framing upbeat notes of tropical and orchard fruit. There’s a touch of almond on the bright, medium-long finish. Not only can I sip it all day, it also offers excellent value for the money. Stock up. Region: Rheinhessen, Germany. Other info: ABV 12.5%, screw cap enclosure.

Post to full story: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2018/09/endless-summer-with-german-white-wines.html

10/1/2018 - Dezel wrote:

Borell-Diehl 2017 Müller-Thurgau Trocken (SRP $12): Müller-Thurgau is a Riesling-Sylvaner hybrid grape that was developed in 1882 by Dr. Herman Müller-Thurgau. It is the second-most widely planted variety in Germany after Riesling. Troken indicates that this wine is dry as opposed to off-dry (slightly sweet). This example is sleek, pure, and refreshing. Shy aromas of mineral and floral tones give way to bright flavors of crisp lemon, peach skin, and hints of chalk, surrounded by a stimulating raciness. Such a wonderful food wine affords it seemingly endless pairings, though several who tasted this wine recommended shellfish. The price reflects a ‘supersize me’ 1-liter bottle. Region: Pfalz, Germany. Other info: ABV 12.5%, screw cap enclosure.

See full post at: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/2018/09/endless-summer-with-german-white-wines.html