Bründlmayer Sekt Brut Rosé NV
12%; 26,20€; Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, St. Laurent. Pale, salmon pink. Elegantly vegetal and earthy, but vibrantly fruity and floral nose; a rocky stream; a piercing and sweetish note of tangerine, also. Fine mousse. Ripe red toned fruit, quite a bit of Pinosity, good grip, moderate but refreshing enough acidity; long and mineral aftertaste. Very lovable.
S.A. Prüm Riesling Solitär 2006 (9,10€; 11,5% abv) is correct Mosel Riesling aromas; quite light bodied, refreshing, slightly mineral, quite dry but not tart - a rare Mosel Trocken that works for me. Simple but still a very decent drop for the price.
Prinz von Hessen Winkeler Hasensprung Riesling Erstes Gewächs 2005 (c.27€; 13,5% abv - not such a wimpy wine afterall!)
Light gold. This has lovely and pure but ripe Riesling aromas and minerality. It seems very primary and has the none of the harsh aromas of so many Trockens. The palate is weighty (13,5% abv!!!) but the alcohol gladly doesn't show, very ripe - it really doesn't need sugar this time!, and has a long and mineral aftertaste. I rarely get along with Trockens from MSR or Rheingau because they tend to be rather charmless and hard, but I did find this very enjoyable and charming.
Giuliani Gioia del Colle Primitivo Riserva 2000 is something my sister-in-law brought back from Italy. There are some hints of oak, but the aged, leafy but vibrant red fruit is to the fore. Tangy, red berries, lively but full fruit. A very interesting wine and I enjoyed it despite the oak notes.
Ferreira Vintage Port 1982 is still as charming a Port as I remember. Spicy, expressive, showing some mature elements but I still find the fruit vibrant. Not the most concentrated or complex Port, but still very sweet. Delectably cigarry. Needs quite a long decanting for the alcohol to integrate - this was best after about six hours. This may not be the most exciting VP around but it is charming and is drinking well. I'm happy to have one more bottle.
