GutterGirl stopped by this weekend:
2002 Selbach-Oster Wehlener Sonnenuhr Rielsing Kabinett (#11 03)
At first taste NJ exclaimed "I like it"!, so I figured I'd better get a pour while there was some left.
Clear straw color with just a tiny bit of spritz. Granny smith apple, mineral/slate with some melon/citus peeking through. Decent acidity, but I would have like just a bit more cut. Mouthcoating. The finish lingers and is dominated by distinct lime notes. I found this limeyness distracting since I'm not particularly fond of that fruit. Overall a decent wine that should easily go at least a few more years.
1990 Lyliane Saugere Hermitage, La Cote Des Seigneurs
I bought two bottles of this about 5 years ago on close-out for $18 and both were outstanding.
Not decanted and there initially was a strong dose of bottle funk which some described as gym-locker. I didn't mind it at all and for those that were offended, it quickly blew off. Based up the color it is hard to believe this wine is 18 years old. Remarkable since it likely had questionable storage for the first 12-13 years of its life. Minerals, violets, dark Syrah fruit and a blood/iodine component. Man, I wish I had more of this to try in 5 years.
I also understand that Michel Chapoutier had some hand in making this wine.
2005 Saxum Rocket Block, James Berry Vineyard
93% Grenache/7% Syrah
This wine screams for your attention much like a 7 year old off their Ritalin for a week. Big/bold/brassy like a ginned up floosie in a cheap bar on Saturday night . I spent just enough time with this to realize it was not something I enjoy and took another big pour of the Saugere to make amends with my palate.
2004 Piedrasassi California Syrah
Super concentrated, over-blown and seemingly manipulated. This not how I like my Syrah. Ohers seemed to enjoy it more than I did and commented that it needed some bottle ageing...I'll take their word for that.
That's it