2009 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken- Mosel Saar Ruwer
I’ve never had a disappointing bottle of this stuff, from any vintage. The 2009 is a predictably excellent addition to the canon of fantastic and inexpensive Selbach-Oster Kabinett Halbtrockens. Electric acidity, tongue-coating power, good length, this is all lime and stones. Refreshing, food friendly, with just enough sweetness to drink on its own, but dry in its soul. It is not a complex drink (and mine never last long enough to find out what cellaring does to these), but an wonderfully satisfying one. 91 pts.
2001 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Tinto Pesquera- Ribera del Duero
Highly aromatic and full flavored with heaps of sour cherry (tart), rosemary (green), iodine (medicinal), dust (earth) and a little smoke. Expressive and friendly, yet not sweet nor fruity. The palate is soft with notable brightness and good glycerin. This is a delicious, uncomplicated, real wine; fully ready, distinctive, authentic and a great value. 90-91 pts.
2007 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas- Gigondas
Stemmy, herbal nose with some richer, spicy, roasted fruit with a dash of black olives. The sweetness and extraction are in balance. Overall, this is pretty solid and could be much better if this wasn’t marred by a sharp spike of alcoholic heat on the nose and finish. 86-87 pts.
1986 Château Haut-Bages Libéral- Pauillac
Hard, stern wine until the last glass, when some fruit and cinnamon begin to show. This wine is more to be admired (for its old school austerity) than enjoyed, with hard, firm tannins and a bone dry fruitless profile. Bright, spicy palate with some mid-palate depth, not much of a bouquet. Could be drying out. Disappointing, would be curious to try again in 5 years. 87 pts.
2005 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Pora- Barbaresco
Popped and poured… Big attack of fruit, almost grapey, sweet, followed by mentholated/medicinal notes. Big, fleshy tannins kick in with air, giving this a tarry, almost stewed profile. Tastes like young Bordeaux from a ripe year, but with plenty of acidity. Good depth, nice flavors, just too young right now. I’d say very good upside. 92+ pts.