And the Austrian idyll continues. Now we are ensconced in an alpine Hütte just north of Villach. An incredible place, a hotel which consists of a small collection of these Hütten, wood-fired hot tubs and sauna, a good restaurant, and a wine cellar consisting of some of Austria's best young producers. So as we are here drinking our way through the cellar for a few more days, I thought I'd post a note on a couple of the highlights.
Weingut TOMS Hochkittenberg, Gelber Muskateller, 2004
Flinty, granite nose. Juicy grapefruit at first in the mouth, with a drying, mineral finish. We paired this with both a salmon carpaccio and a paprika cream soup, both with success.
Weingut Preisinger, Pinot Noir, 2003
Stinky (really!) nose which quickly blows off. At first taste, reticent; very tightly wound tannins. All flavors to your respective corners! After being open about 90 minutes, it is fully integrated. A really nice wine -- black cherry, chocolate, sweet pipe tobacco. Smooth tannins, velvety finish. Yummy. Paired with: Roasted chicken.
Weingut Heinrich, Gabarinza, 2003
Wow. Immediately this wine hits you with its power. Immense. Deep and rich in the mouth--smoke, bacon, dark chocolate, and coffee. Lingering, lingering finish. I could drink this all night. Amazing juice. A blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkish, and Merlot.
