by Keith M » Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:16 pm
My housemate recently hosted a pad thai fest, where costumed/disguised bottles were opened. Notable for me (in addition to St. George's Absinthe, a clean and delicious way to finish the night) were the following: The oddly named 2008 Rinaldi Moscato d'Asti Bug Juice (Moscato d'Asti DOC, Piemonte, northwestern Italy) was bright, fresh, slightly sweet, wonderfully reminiscent of honeydew melon and the best match for the spicy pad thai. The 2006 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo La Mancha Paso a Paso (La Mancha DO, Castilla-La Mancha, central Spain) wasn't a match for the food, but made an impression on a number of us. Very bacony--light funk, good attic chest, plump and dry. I liked it. The group favorite was my contribution, the 1997 Franz Karl Schmitt Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling Auslese (Rheinhessen, Germany) which I agree was delicious. Initially very vibrant, the liveliness fades after about a half-hour or so, but even the less lively expression was likeable--faded rocks and good tasty aged riesling chrome. I was very happy to find a 12 year old riesling on the shelves of my local merchant and a enthusiastic endorsement was well deserved. Not profound, but just delicious. Nice.
