2007 Selbach Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese Schmitt
This is refreshing fun riesling. I’ve only had it once before, about a year and a half ago, but I much preferred this bottle. It showed much fresher and more racy than before, although there is still plenty of richness and layered texture and the honeyed flavors come out as at airs/warms. Classic Mosel, easy to love.
2007 Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Spätlese
Not sure if this is “better” than the Schmitt but it is more fun for me right now. Clearer and crisper and with more slicey tartness. At the same time, there are plenty of big bold fruit cocktail flavors, jumping all over the place. But the texture is so tingly and refreshing, it is easy to love. Slices through everything, with fruity mineral aplomb.
2007 Domaine des Croix Beaune Les Cents Vignes
A forward yet modest drink of Beaune. This was my first time with the domaine and I didn’t really know what to expect. The wine is easy to drink and generous on the palate and not at all cranky over several hours, yet it does not taste spoofed. A good combination for easy opening, even if not for grand contemplation.
1996 Chandon de Briailles Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Fourneaux
This bottle was much more generous than a few years ago. Feels wonderfully resolved and smooth and supple and integrated and juicy and velvety and whatever else you want. Of course it is not the most complex wine and it won’t win many awards. But it was a civilized accompaniment, according to my standards.
