Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler – 2011 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese

For some unknown reason, I rarely include Rieslings on my list of wines to taste.  Perhaps it’s that the wine world has this love-hate relationship with Rieslings, which, in my opinion, is unfounded.  I know that some of you have a love-love relationship with them, and I commend you – “Riesling” has become such a generic word for an amazingly wide range of wine experiences – it hardly does justice to everything that is out there under the name.

We had a little late summer gathering this evening, and wanted something cold and crisp, but decidedly fruity.  My personal bias is that I’ve tended to always stick to dry whites, so I was almost reluctant to open this semi-sweet, fruit forward wine.  Ah, but shame on me….open it I did, and I was so very nice.  The aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit and pineapple were lovely.  The flavors matched well, with a little vanilla creaminess mixed into the fruit.  The acidity was modest but remained crisp enough to offer a light, fruity finish without cloying sweetness.  This wine was just perfect  with our lightly spiced grilled shrimp.  I have no doubt I’ll revisit this wine very soon.

 

Meiomi Belle Glos – 2012 Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of those grapes…one of those wines…that fills my head, and nose, and palate with certain stereotypes of what it should be.   I admit it – I’m guilty of judging a wine by what it “should” be.  I’m sure you know what I mean.  Anyone who’s ever seen a dog show knows – you judge it against the breed standard, not whether you happen to like it.  But this week I learned that…well…tasting wine isn’t a dog show.

This wine has been eating at my brain for several days now.  Would I consider it your quintessential Pinot Noir?  No.  Did I like it?  It was good…not great…but good.  I was a little surprised by just how jammy this wine was on the nose.  I mean…jammy.  Intensely, over-the-top, give-me-a-piece-of-toast, jammy.  Deep garnet in color, but not all that leggy.  The first taste covered my tastebuds with dark fruits that mingled with an interesting leatheriness.  There was a hint of coffee in there too.  Very full body.  The finish was particularly long, with only the slightest bit of heat.  It did pair well with chicken cacciatore and rustic bread.  I look forward to trying this wine again in a year or two.