Our group was invited to a taste test of the proposed new menu items to be featured at Lemuria, one of our favorite restaurants. The new items featured prawns and lobster so we stuck to whites.
Von Buhl Sekt Trocken NV - Not as dry as I imagined it would be. Has good body. Refreshing. Very good. Bismarck famously told the Kaiser he preferred Champagne and wouldn't drink Sekt as his patriotism ends before his stomach. I think, however, this is one Sekt Bismarck would have been pleased with.
Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc Pioneer Block 1 2005 - Nearly water pale. Very ripe, almost overripe, guava nose. Soft but intense wine. Medium length. Good in a somewhat over-the-top way.
Planeta La Segreta 2002 - Grecanico and possible Chardonnay from Sicily. Starting to turn gold. Very soft. In obvious decline. Could be a bad bottle. A bottle of the same wine 2 weeks ago was fresh and crisp.
Gunderloch Drei Sterne *** Auslese 2001 - This is supposed to be Auslese done the old way - fermented to near dryness. Round, balanced, very complex. Good weight. Sweetness still obvious but muted enough to make it very pleasurable with food. Limes, apples. Very long. Outstanding stuff. Drinking perfectly now.
Armida Chardonnay 1998 - Dry and dried out. Very little fruit aside from some citrus peel on the finish. Some slight sherry-like oxidation as well. Past its prime.
Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay 1996 - Mandarin orange and mint leaf on the nose. Soft, gentle mouthfeel, A rather caramelly finish that is quite long. Complex, beautifully balanced wine. Just a touch of oak noticeable. No further development forthcoming from this. Best to drink it up.
Tirecul La Graviere Cuvee Madame Monbazillac 1997 - Powerful wine with caramel and bitter orange marmalade flavors dominating. Concentrated and young tasting. Time should mellow it and round it out. There is a hint of tobacco leaf on the very long finish. It would be interesting to try this again in 5 years. A perfect match for the orange and coconut ice cream.