2008 Dönnhoff Riesling
I love this entry level bottling from Donnhoff. We started our Mother's Day get together off with this and it was a hit with everyone. Nose of citrus fruit/lemons and stones. Strong acidity hits you but is in balance with the little sweetness and tastes of minerals and lemons. A very refreshing wine and a great way to start off a Saturday full of family and friends.
2005 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Cargasacchi Vineyard
This wine needed a little time to open up but once it did it was a very nice expression of pinot. Nose started off with some funk/earthiness and some slight floral hints. After some extended air the funk blew off and there was a nice mix of spice, earthiness and the floral hints really came out. Taste of dark fruit - cherries/blackberries with spices and cola intermingled very nicely. There is a complexity to the wine that seemed to hint at good things for those that have waited. Nice bright acidity and a lingering finish. Really enjoyable at this point but I think this one will age nicely.
After having several disappointing 04 Lorings recently the 2 05s that I have drank have been really good. Both the Carg and the Clos Pepe were very tasty bottles as well as being great Cali Pinot vineyards. Cargassachi has been a favorite of mine and tends to be one that shows well with some age, I think the 05 Loring is in that camp.