Dönnhoff/Villa Mongalli/Etude

2009 Dönnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese $25ish (special nod and wink deal)

Ah, now I get it. This is probably one of the slickest, elegant, most together wines I've encountered. James Bond slick. I'd guess some would say I've had this way to early, so let's say it's like James Bound before he puts on the tuxedo. Color is pale/watery. The nose is nice, very slight Rielsing Fuel thing, a bit of apples, and some restrained tropical fruit. Very nicely constructed taste, almost as if dovetail work is going on. Nice hint of spice. This is firmly in the "Oh Hell Yes" category.


"Another glash, whell if you inshisht"

2005 Villa Mongalli Rosso Umbria Col Cimino $25ish too

Apparently this is made from Sagrantino though I thought some Sangiovese was involved too. Have to do some research. Bah! Dark purplish color. A bit hot in the nose. Could've used a bit of air, but a very nice tipple for the farmers market Italian sausage that went with it. Cherry juice, sandalwood, and some gripping tannins going on. More time? Again certainly seems to demand a decant. Still I'd get it again.

2008 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros Gift

Hot, hot mess. 14.5%? Yeah, maybe if it was ABW. Deep extracted color. You know what I don't even want to talk about this anymore it was so disappointing.

I did a Google search that came up empty, but I swear that in one of the earlier James Bond movies he drank Bernkasteler Doktor.

I can recall champagnes, clarets, sherry, vodka, sake, red stripe beer (back ground of Dr. No), but don't recall any Riesling. Something tells me what with Thanksgiving just around the corner a post turkey coma James Bond tv marathon will provide the proper forum to search for the bevvy noted.

I have limited experience with recent Étude PNs but recall the 1997 took 7 years to turn into something enjoyable. Unfortunately I consumed 75% of my case before figuring this out. Since Soter has moved on not sure if this still holds but it could just be young.