Sunday Betsy made tacos, she felt like something cold and light so I brought out the 2005 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling QbA.The 2001 of this was one of the best inexpensive Rieslings I've had, the subsequent vintages have been ok value but nothing to search for. I think this qualifies as one to look for- at $9 it's great QPR. Kind of exotic nose of flowers, herbs, and wet rocks. More straightforward on the palate, but with clean peach and citrus fruit. Actually plenty of RS, but the acids are so lively it doesn't come across as especially sweet. Some mineral notes on finish (which isn't especially long, but what do you expect for under $10?). B+ (A for value)
Tuesday I had leftovers from Betsy's cooking (she's in NC for a concert), with the 2004 Pernot Bourgogne Rouge. I've liked the Pernot whites, and in any case usually regard a Louis-Dressner sticker as a good reason to buy a wine. But I have trouble getting enthusiastic re this one. Prickly acidity, a real bitterness behind the black cherry flavors. The bitterness fades on day 2, but I still can't really get into this. OK for $11 Bourgogne though. B- (maybe a B since it's cheap for Burg)
Wednesday was a flat out gorgeous day, and the evening was perfect for a waterfront jazz concert. I carried the Basset Hound, soppresata, dry cured duck breast, and a tomato/feta salad (I'm dying of tomato overload, we're having dozens of cherry ripening every day); friends had a liver mousse and some cheeses. My rosé was the 2005 Clos Roche Blanche Pineau d'Aunis. Bone dry with herbs dancing over a wild strawberry base.
I really like this, but Fred found it too austere. Chacun son gout. B++
Fred brought the 2002 Ermitage Pic St Loup "St Agnes" (Coteaux du Languedoc). Very floral nose. He says its Rousanne and Ugni blanc. Decent acidity, interesting on palate, but the finish seems a little hot and short. Once again my lack of fondness for white Rhones (and their cousins) rears its ugly head. B-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
