by Daniel Rogov » Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:44 pm
David, Hi….
The Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer imported by Abarbanel are from Alsace in France and not from Germany. Abarbanel did for a while import several kosher wines from Germany, those produced by the Schenkel winery in Schwabenheim in the Rheinhessen area. As I remember there were a red and a white, those made not from the most noble grapes but from Dornfelder and Rivaner. I tasted only the 1999 editions of those wines and those were best described as "eminently forgettable".
Kosher wines are indeed produced in Austria (largely by Hafner) and Aslace but I cannot call to mind any kosher wines now being produced in Germany. Perhaps one or more of our members can jump in on this.
Following are several tasting notes for both the Abarbanel and the Hafner wines.
Best
Rogov
Abarbanel, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, 2004: Shows litchi and spices in keeping with the variety but the fruits taste somewhat tinny, and too many earthy, bitter notes interfere with the pleasure of the wine. Drink now. Score 76. K (Re-tasted 21 Apr 2006)
Abarbanel, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, 2006: Golden straw in color, with traditional litchi and spicy notes on a background of summer fruits and with an appealing note of freshly cut grass. Drink now-2008. Score 85. K (Tasted 22 Jun 2008)
Abarbanel, Riesling, Alsace, 2004: Medium-bodied, light golden in color, with peach and mineral aromas and flavors. A simple but pleasant quaffer. Drink now. Score 80. K (Tasted 21 Apr 2006)
Abarbanel, Pinot Noir, Alsace, 2005: Light, almost dilute cherry red in color but aromatic and with appealing berry, cherry fruits. Nothing complex here but pleasant enough for brunches or picnics. Drink now. Score 83. K (Tasted 3 Nov 2006)
Abarbanel, Pinot Blanc, Alsace, 2004: Light golden in color, medium-bodied, soft and round, with aromas and flavors of ripe apples and peaches. On the finish a hint of butterscotch and a bit of residual sugar rises but that balanced by hints of citrus-like acidity. At its best with fatty fish. Heck, even a good option with gefilte fish. Drink now. Score 85. K (Tasted 30 Sep 2006)
Abarbanel, Pinot Blanc, Alsace, 2006: Light golden straw, light- to medium-bodied, with baked quince, apple and citrus peel notes on a lightly honeyed background. Drink now. Score 85. K (Tasted 22 Jun 2008)
Hafner, Zweigelt-Blaufrankisch, Neudsidlersee, 2003: Ruby towards garnet red, medium-bodied, with somewhat firm tannins and generous oak holding back the black cherry, berry and plum fruits. Time may help. Then again, it may not. Score 85. K (Tasted 21 Mar 2005)
Hafner Weine, Scheurebe, Trockenbeernauslese, 2000: Medium-bodied, moderately sweet with good concentration and fine balancing acidity. Opens to show honeyed peach and apricot fruits on a lightly spicy background. Appropriate as an aperitif or as a dessert wine. Drink now-2009. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 19 Apr 2005)
