January 1, 2021 - Becker Estate Pinot Noir 2013 is a remarkable crisp and elegant light bodied Pinot Noir, very popular in the USA. These german wines have the highest quality and are grown on the steep banks along the rivers in this region of Pfalz in West Germany neighboring Luxembourg. Small vineyards continue to be cared for and picked by hand, due to the difficult nature of mechanization on these hillsides.Limestone soils are perfect to reach the best of mineralities in a remarkable full of depth and elegance, light bodied Pinot Noir.
April 18, 2019 - Garnet with slight tinges of orange; medium legs, rim variation consistent with age. Aromas are first of the earth:dust, forest floor, mushroom, garrigue and subtle straw and stems. Minimal red fruit: red currant, raspberry, cranberry. On the palate, earth aromas still dominate and red fruit persists, but is subtle. Tannins mainly from wood. Light/medium body, narrow to linear texture, medium finish, medium acidity. Impression: somewhat complex, not quite balanced due to dominant earth notes. At $22, QPR is average. A nice introduction to Spatburgunder, but would seek out lower-priced options before repurchasing this. Drink now or in 2020.
June 24, 2018 - Second Sunday Group: Aged Alsatian Riesling Vendange Tardive (Neil's): Double blind. Floral, spice and cherry aromas. Higher acidity than the first wine. Cherry and red berry fruit flavors. Soft tannins. Has a somewhat sharp acidic quality in the finish. I much preferred the first of the warm ups.
April 17, 2018 - Medium dark cherry in color; very light nose with earthy notes predominating; fruit including hints of strawberry on the palate, nicely balanced with medium to fairly long finish.The WS might not give it a 90, but it was a solid 90+ for us. At $19.00...an exceptional value as well.
March 11, 2018 - A lot of Strawberrys. Long after taste. Great with mushroom ravioli
July 5, 2017 - Opened and direct from wine cooler it presents itself as berry driven and childish. Still interesting and refreshing. After being opened and adjusted towards ambient temperature for an hour or two it comes to life and become more complex and interesting. With a hint of oak, it feels more sophisticated and are pure delight.
May 13, 2017 - Fresh red berries and high acid. It opened up in flavor and ended in something like Jasmine.
April 18, 2017 - P&p. Nice pungency/spice/earth/funk, together with fresh grapey/cherryish fruit. Light bodied, with good acidity, tasty, highly drinkable, and a good value.
April 17, 2017 - Light with bright acidity. Aromas of floral raspberry and charcoal briquettes. A hint of rhubarb at the finish.
April 8, 2017 - Winebar [Various Reds & a Sancere] for 4/7/17 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): N: Closed/muted; earth atop berries with notes of flowers/spice? Intensity POSS lurking?
P: Med, poss LM, body; Almost rndish entry with almost swtish frt met by slightly puckerish acidity & very fine tannins, this somewhat resolving by the very long, slightly firm, VERY slightly spicy finish with [ultimately] almost swtish notes. Needing cellaring thru '19 (poss a tad longer), then drinking thru 21' min, this has the potential to represent STUPENDOUS value in a quasi-Burgundian style! (Think one of the Cote du Beaune villages, probably a lieu ditz, POSSIBLY even a 1er cru -- & check what THOSE go for!) [This vendor's $16.95 is as good as any.]