Szent Ilona, Borhaz, 'Tradicio', 2006 (Nagy-Somlo)
Sorry, no punctuation marks for Hungarian. I thought this white made from an indigenous blend of three grapes (Harslevelu, furmint, juhfark) would be interesting to try, and I was mildly rewarded for buying this. The color is a flat, medium gold, with honeyed lemon-curd aromas. Gives a little bit more in the mouth, with lemon Riccolo, butternuts, and good minerality. In some ways, it reminds me of Ribolla Gialla: a flatish, non-descript wine with little aromatic sense and a banker or accountant's bookish neutrality. At under $20, it's worth a try, but if it tilts to $30 or over, I'd pass. Had this open for several days, with no degradation. 13.5% B+
Schiopetto, Collio, Tocai Friulano, 2006
Color is a bright, clear, clean light gold. Dullish aromatic nose of brin d'amour cheese, nectar-like sugar water (like the kind left out to attract butterflies and hummingbirds), and bright colored flowers. Has the dullish finish of many native Friulian wines, light in the mouth despite the high alcohol (14.5%), with a nice florality of honey and lemon verbena, daffodils, and other spring flowers, finishing with a nice gerwurz-like spice, and decent acidity. medium-bodied despite the highish alcohol. A- Would try again, in spite of the price (around $33).
Joh. Jos. Christoffel, Erdener Treppchen, riesling, A**, 2002
Glistening pale gold. Kumquats and pineapple on the nose and palate, light in weight, good acidity, and a lon-lasting tangy, spicy finish. A- [Ap# 2 602 041 009 03]