Anyone still prefer Riedel’s Sommeliers series?

[jordan jacobs]

These used to be the gold standard. Is that still the case now that there is a plethora of very good stems. If you do use them, which ones? I still use the Bordeaux and Burgundy ones.

Thanks

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

I use Sauternes

[Jboonsook]

I still use the Bordeaux

[Rich Brown]

My bordeaux stems have literally been collecting dust for at least a few years now. Used to love em....now I just reach for my Gabriel Golds. Every. Single. Time.

Maybe I'll bust one out this weekend and take it for another spin!

[jordan jacobs]

My bordeaux stems have literally been collecting dust for at least a few years now. Used to love em....now I just reach for my Gabriel Golds. Every. Single. Time.

Maybe I'll bust one out this weekend and take it for another spin!

That is the one stem (Gabriel) I have yet to try.

[Jerry Hey]

Sauternes but Zalto burgs.

[Ken Strauss]

I enjoy them occasionally.
I don’t enjoy cleaning them.

[Andrew K.]

Never use them

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

I basically use sensory for everything now, except dessert wines, because the pours just look comically small.

[Sarah Kirschbaum]

I still use the Burgundy stems occasionally when it's just the two of us, usually next to a different glass to observe the differences. I also very occasionally like the Montrachet stems, which is a surprise since they barely curve in at all. I always thought the Sommelier syrah stems were beautiful, but never bought any.

[Glenn P]

I love them!

[Noah C]

I used to have the hand blown Burgundy stems and I loved them. They got lost in a move and I replaced them with the Zalto Burgundy stems out of curiosity and I have to say that I much prefer the Riedel. I bought two Zaltos and the first one broke within two weeks. The remaining one is SUCH a pain in the ass to clean. Part of me is just waiting for that Zalto to break so I can justify buying the Riedels again.

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

I used to have the hand blown Burgundy stems and I loved them. They got lost in a move and I replaced them with the Zalto Burgundy stems out of curiosity and I have to say that I much prefer the Riedel. I bought two Zaltos and the first one broke within two weeks. The remaining one is SUCH a pain in the ass to clean. Part of me is just waiting for that Zalto to break so I can justify buying the Riedels again.

Sensory

[Anthony C]

After getting a variety of Grassls, I don't use the Somms much. I've done some "glass" horizontal tastings and found the Somms (Burg and Bord) both hit me with more alcohol on the nose than the Grassl 1855 and Cru. I also don't have to dig around with my nose in the Grassls as much.

I do find the Somms are better for some that I know need some air but maybe not decanting the whole bottle, like a big Coravin pull.

[NickRut]

I used to have the hand blown Burgundy stems and I loved them. They got lost in a move and I replaced them with the Zalto Burgundy stems out of curiosity and I have to say that I much prefer the Riedel. I bought two Zaltos and the first one broke within two weeks. The remaining one is SUCH a pain in the ass to clean. Part of me is just waiting for that Zalto to break so I can justify buying the Riedels again.

Sensory

Looks almost exactly like the Riedel burg glasses. Are they just much wider?

[Rich Brown]

My bordeaux stems have literally been collecting dust for at least a few years now. Used to love em....now I just reach for my Gabriel Golds. Every. Single. Time.

Maybe I'll bust one out this weekend and take it for another spin!

That is the one stem (Gabriel) I have yet to try.

You've gotta try one buddy. They really are the best all around glasses that I've ever tried, beating Zaltos, Riedel Somms, etc. Everything from how they feel in your hand all the way to how they accentuate the nose of a wine is just ideal. BD purchase maybe??

images.jpeg-3.jpg (9.83 KiB) Viewed 2361 times

[jordan jacobs]

My bordeaux stems have literally been collecting dust for at least a few years now. Used to love em....now I just reach for my Gabriel Golds. Every. Single. Time.

Maybe I'll bust one out this weekend and take it for another spin!

That is the one stem (Gabriel) I have yet to try.

You've gotta try one buddy. They really are the best all around glasses that I've ever tried, beating Zaltos, Riedel Somms, etc. Everything from how they feel in your hand all the way to how they accentuate the nose of a wine is just ideal. BD purchase maybe??

images.jpeg-3.jpg

Sold. Does it make a difference between the gold vs standard?

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

I used to have the hand blown Burgundy stems and I loved them. They got lost in a move and I replaced them with the Zalto Burgundy stems out of curiosity and I have to say that I much prefer the Riedel. I bought two Zaltos and the first one broke within two weeks. The remaining one is SUCH a pain in the ass to clean. Part of me is just waiting for that Zalto to break so I can justify buying the Riedels again.

Sensory

Looks almost exactly like the Riedel burg glasses. Are they just much wider?

They’re just a totally diff hand feel and nose IMO.

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

Have 2 Burgundy stems, and, quite honestly, hate them compared to the Grassl Cru. I'm not sure I'll ever use the Riedels.

That aside, I also have a couple of the Sauternes, which I think are excellent, and also a couple of the whisky glasses, which are my preferred for whisky.

[AAgrawal]

I think the Sauternes glasses are the best ones on the market for Sauternes, by far. I don’t use any of the other but have a few of the comically large burgundy stems left. I’ll never use them.

[Rich K0rz€nk0]

I bought Vinum Extreme 15 years ago, can practically put a bottle in a glass and its still light as air.

Not even sure they exist any more.

I just needed/use the 4... Chard, Burg, Cab, Save/Riesling.

Never let down and just work

Looking at entertaining new glass this year because its been a spell.

[Rich Brown]

That is the one stem (Gabriel) I have yet to try.

You've gotta try one buddy. They really are the best all around glasses that I've ever tried, beating Zaltos, Riedel Somms, etc. Everything from how they feel in your hand all the way to how they accentuate the nose of a wine is just ideal. BD purchase maybe??

images.jpeg-3.jpg

Sold. Does it make a difference between the gold vs standard?

It definitely does. The standard is 'fine' and i actually use those if we're entertaining (errr....used to entertain), but the Gold is a different level in regards to how thin the glass is and the overall feel. Def go with the Gold since you're testing it out for your own personal use.

Excited to hear your thoughts! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

[Blake Brown]

Nice post for fond memories and yes, I still have 3, the Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne stems and never use them. The Burgundy stem may be the most beautiful glass of all. Thanks for the mention- I'll remember to break one out soon.

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

I think the Sauternes glasses are the best ones on the market for Sauternes, by far. I don’t use any of the other but have a few of the comically large burgundy stems left. I’ll never use them.

Zalto dessert wine glasses probably aren’t bad either. I use Glencairns for Sauternes a lot of the time as well.

[jordan jacobs]

You've gotta try one buddy. They really are the best all around glasses that I've ever tried, beating Zaltos, Riedel Somms, etc. Everything from how they feel in your hand all the way to how they accentuate the nose of a wine is just ideal. BD purchase maybe??

images.jpeg-3.jpg

Sold. Does it make a difference between the gold vs standard?

Just ordered a 2-pack of the gold on Amazon. They will arrive tomorrow and I’ll use them tomorrow too. Thanks!
It definitely does. The standard is 'fine' and i actually use those if we're entertaining (errr....used to entertain), but the Gold is a different level in regards to how thin the glass is and the overall feel. Def go with the Gold since you're testing it out for your own personal use.

Excited to hear your thoughts! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

[Rich Brown]

Sold. Does it make a difference between the gold vs standard?

Just ordered a 2-pack of the gold on Amazon. They will arrive tomorrow and I’ll use them tomorrow too. Thanks!
It definitely does. The standard is 'fine' and i actually use those if we're entertaining (errr....used to entertain), but the Gold is a different level in regards to how thin the glass is and the overall feel. Def go with the Gold since you're testing it out for your own personal use.

Excited to hear your thoughts! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

Nice work! Just keep in mind that the glass is very light so it might throw you off a bit at first (Not to worry though as they are actually shockingly durable)....but give it a chance and hopefully you'll dig it as much as I/many peeps here do!

[Kirk.Grant]

I have and use the Bug Somm glasses. I find that of all the glasses I own, they are the most forgiving wine if there is any tiny flaw in the wine. I do prefer the sensory glasses to Zalto, but have to say that the price of all these does not compare to the Grassl, which is an easy, all-around favorite of ours. Unfortunately I've also destroyed four of the six I bought last year. Damn you gravity! (shaking fists at the sky)

[Tom G l a s g o w]

Just ordered a 2-pack of the gold on Amazon. They will arrive tomorrow and I’ll use them tomorrow too. Thanks!
It definitely does. The standard is 'fine' and i actually use those if we're entertaining (errr....used to entertain), but the Gold is a different level in regards to how thin the glass is and the overall feel. Def go with the Gold since you're testing it out for your own personal use.

Excited to hear your thoughts! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

Nice work! Just keep in mind that the glass is very light so it might throw you off a bit at first (Not to worry though as they are actually shockingly durable)....but give it a chance and hopefully you'll dig it as much as I/many peeps here do!

Should be deals on Berserker Day, wait for that. Sometimes really good deals.

[Tom G l a s g o w]

I have and use the Bug Somm glasses. I find that of all the glasses I own, they are the most forgiving wine if there is any tiny flaw in the wine. I do prefer the sensory glasses to Zalto, but have to say that the price of all these does not compare to the Grassl, which is an easy, all-around favorite of ours. Unfortunately I've also destroyed four of the six I bought last year. Damn you gravity! (shaking fists at the sky)

I dropped a Grassl Cru. It broke into many, many small pieces, very impressive.

[Charlie Carnes]

I still use the Burgundy stems occasionally when it's just the two of us, usually next to a different glass to observe the differences. I also very occasionally like the Montrachet stems, which is a surprise since they barely curve in at all. I always thought the Sommelier syrah stems were beautiful, but never bought any.

If I remember, the Sommelier Syrah were great for aged Barolo.

[Eric Egan]

I use the burgundy sommelier glasses pretty much every other day - they’re my go to glass for burgundy (though I some times use zalto instead) as well as for most good pet nats, which I drink quite regularly. I also use the Sauternes glasses for most sweet wine. They’re superb- certainly the best part of master-blender Hardy Rodenstock’s legacy. Other frequently used glasses are Zalto Bordeaux, and Riedel Superleggero Riesling.

[Al Osterheld]

The Sommelier Hermitage glass is my favorite and agree it is gorgeous, but I rarely use it (I have single glasses of a few different somm stems from a Riedel event).

-Al

[John Glas]

Broke two and never thought of purchasing again. I do like the Sommeliers Restaurant Series which are a lot cheaper and don't break by looking at them wrong.

[Rich Brown]

Other than making me want to give me Somm Bordeaux stems another go (for old times sake), its gotten me VERY interested in the Sauternes glasses. Seems to be quite a bit of love for those around here and we do like sweet wines once in a while!

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

Sauternes glasses are very nice.

Re: gg, my biggest issue with this glass is that it’s too small and i only use it for chamapagne.

[Anthony Sanford]

I still use my Sommelier glasses but I more often reach for the Superleggero - I prefer the weight of the Superleggero.

[Brian Pinci]

I like the Sauternes and the Chardonnay Extremes. But I’m clumsy and break too many so have been buying cheaper glasses

[J.Vizuete]

Our Riedel somm pinot glasses have been relegated to the cabinet, replaced by Zalto Bordeaux which are finer and have a similar volume.

A number of folks on this thread would be well served to try the Grassl Cru.

I myself need to pony up for a small set of Conterno Sensorys. With BD looming, I'm going to hold off for the moment.

[JDVanHoose]

My favorite glass is a Riedel Somm Burgundy stem, I used to have a set but over the years have broken all but one - I would rather find it and wash it instead of reach for a different glass

[David Glasser]

I've had a pair of the Bordeaux Sommelier for 20-30 years. Used them a few times, not in the last 15 years or so. Never particularly liked them, from either an organoleptic or ergonomic perspective.

[Br1an Th0rne]

Since purchasing the Grassl 1855’s, I have not used my Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux / Cabernet glasses. I picked them up a couple of weeks ago to rearrange the China cabinet, and was shocked at how big, heavy and clunky they seemed. Similar story for the vinum Cabernet glasses.

[jordan jacobs]

Just ordered a 2-pack of the gold on Amazon. They will arrive tomorrow and I’ll use them tomorrow too. Thanks!
It definitely does. The standard is 'fine' and i actually use those if we're entertaining (errr....used to entertain), but the Gold is a different level in regards to how thin the glass is and the overall feel. Def go with the Gold since you're testing it out for your own personal use.

Excited to hear your thoughts! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

Nice work! Just keep in mind that the glass is very light so it might throw you off a bit at first (Not to worry though as they are actually shockingly durable)....but give it a chance and hopefully you'll dig it as much as I/many peeps here do!

See this is why I hate the fact that I am completely OCD with wine and stems. They arrived today and I gave them a spin on three different wines against a Grassl 1855, Zalto Burg and a conterno sensory. Clearly the Gabriel is light and compact. It feels the best in the hand, no doubt. That being said, all stems showed all the wines slightly different, both on the nose and slightly on the palate. Problem is 3 wines later I cannot tell which one I prefer. If I had to select one glass only I suppose it would be the Grassl. I should have grabbed to cru and the zalto Bordeaux but that. Would have been overkill.

[Rich Brown]

Nice work! Just keep in mind that the glass is very light so it might throw you off a bit at first (Not to worry though as they are actually shockingly durable)....but give it a chance and hopefully you'll dig it as much as I/many peeps here do!

See this is why I hate the fact that I am completely OCD with wine and stems. They arrived today and I gave them a spin on three different wines against a Grassl 1855, Zalto Burg and a conterno sensory. Clearly the Gabriel is light and compact. It feels the best in the hand, no doubt. That being said, all stems showed all the wines slightly different, both on the nose and slightly on the palate. Problem is 3 wines later I cannot tell which one I prefer. If I had to select one glass only I suppose it would be the Grassl. I should have grabbed to cru and the zalto Bordeaux but that. Would have been overkill.

Ha! I hear ya - they're all damn fine glasses and you obviously can't really go wrong with any of them.....but I'd say don't give up on the GG's yet. While I did like them right out of the gate, they grew on me even more after using them a few times.

On another note, we grilled up some steaks tonight so I figured it was a great time to whip out the Bordeaux Somm. Stem with an 07 Darioush cab (which was solid). These are definitely nice glasses, and while I knew they were large.....I forgot just how damn big these bad-boys are! I by no means have small hands (que Austin Powers joke here), but I almost felt like I needed to use both of them and drink from the glass like a sippy-cup! Fun stems and a nice trip down memory lane....but its back to my GG's after tonight

[Josh Najjar]

Very funny you mentioned this. I've been using my Riedel Vinum Burgundy glasses for as long as I can remember, and then I realized that I own a very old set of Riedel Sommelier Burgundy glasses !

I started using them two weeks ago, and I feel like I lost 20 years of my life using the Vinums !!
I'm really enjoying the Sommeliers !

I guess at some point in the near future I'll buy the Conternos, or Gabriel Golds to compare ?
Which ones would you try first ?

[AAgrawal]

I’m so surprised by the number of people who love the burgundy sommelier series. Does anyone else find it way too big? I feel like all the aromas diffuse away unless I pour way too much wine into the glass.

[Ron Slye]

I like the burgundy sommeliers, particularly for older pinots. I dont find that the nose gets lost. I pour maybe half an inch or so. I like being able to swirl which releases a lot of the aroma. Though the Grassl Cru is also quite good. I also like the Bordeaux Sommeliers, particularly for old Bdx blends. I generally find it better than the Grassl 1855, though the latter is still pretty damn good. It is with white wine that I definitely prefer the Grassls -- both the minteralite and liberte. The Somm chardonnay glasses are okay, but nothing compared to those. I dont have the sauternes glasses -- may put that on my christmas list for next year........

[Ken Strauss]

My favorite is Riedel Sommelier!
As I said before they are a pita to clean.
That said I truly love Gabriel GG as a universal every day glass. However my family has killed a dozen over the last 3 years.
I will be buying more and expect they will be destroyed.

[Brian G r a f s t r o m]

I’m so surprised by the number of people who love the burgundy sommelier series. Does anyone else find it way too big? I feel like all the aromas diffuse away unless I pour way too much wine into the glass.

Yes.

[Robert Dentice]

No. Zaltos all the way for me. However I just ordered white and universal from one of the Zalto family members who went out on his own so stay tuned:

https://us.josephinen.com/

[Pat Martin]

Zalto Bordeaux is my go-to stem for reds. My Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux stems have been sitting for years unused — too big and clumsy as noted by others. Gabriel Golds is my favorite for whites, but I prefer a bigger stems for reds.