Sunday Betsy was working, I was in charge of dinner. Decided on "pork chops in a zesty sauce" (Pierre Franey fast food book) with wax beans and red pepper. I was thinking Riesling, and strolled through the Stew Leonard's wine store. Not much there, but saw the 2005 Cousino-Macul "Dona Isadora" Riesling for $7.49. I thought I had just read positive comments by Hoke here (but can't find with search, maybe it was another Chilean Riesling), so thought "what the hell." The recipe turned out quite spicy, and off-dry Riesling was probably a good match. As to this individual wine, it was indeed off-dry, but the flavor profile reminded me somehow more of Alsace than Germany. Lot of petrol and mineral, fruit of apple, yellow-flesh plums and citrus. Imagine if Trimbach left their base Riesling with just a touch of RS. Not especially long, but quite satisfactory for the price. B
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
