2008 Weingut Jean Stodden Spätburgunder Qualitätswein –Ahr, Germany 13,0%
This is yet another good entry-level Spätburgunder from yet another of the Ahr elite. As was the case throughout the more northerly regions in Germany, the wines from 2008 run a little leaner in the Ahr, but aren’t any worse for the wear and I like the teetering-on-the-edge-of-ripeness spice and texture that this wine affords. The fruit is red cherry and there is an incense and hickory smokiness about it. The tannins are gritty-green and the acid juicy. If you like Anjou Cab Franc or for that matter Sancerre or Menetou-Salon Pinot Noir, you will probably like this. 12,49€
2007 Domaine de Cabasse Seguret ‘Cuvee Tradition’ –CDRV, France 14,0%
75% Grenache, the remainder Syrah, Counoise, Carignan raised in large oak barrels. This is a bit of a blast from the past for me as I used to be quite fond of this winery especially for the ‘Les Deux Anges’ Sablet bottling and the very good Rose as well. I haven’t seen anything from them in years and was happy to find this for 8€ here in town. Braised meat, thyme, lavender, and tellicherry peppercorn. I only wish that the tannin was a little more jagged. It’s not bad though for 2007 and doesn't have the Porty-sweetness that I hate about many of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape '07s. It brought me back to a time when I drank Rhone (almost) like I now drink German.
Cheers,
Bill