2008 Schloss Saarstein Pinot Blanc – Mosel, Germany

Rich with baking aromas, floral and and fruit flavors, all strung together on a wire of clean defining acidity. It’s like a very thin puff pastry heaped with pears and starfruit, spiced with nutmeg, and dried key lime and tangerine peel, all sprinkled lightly with the juice of a Meyer Lemon. Drink with roast chicken.

2008 Undone Pinot Noir – Rheinhessen, Germany

The best to be said of this wine is that it is interesting. Chances are, neither you nor the person you pour this for will have had an unoaked Pinot Noir from Germany before. Once you have tried this thin, cherry-licorice flavored attempt, you will both be able to say you have.

2007 Domdechant Werner Riesling Classic – Rheingau, Germany

I wish this was the first Riesling I ever tasted: I would have fallen in love with the grape immediately. Incredibly easy to drink, perfectly balanced, a hint of sugar offsetting wonderful acidity in the very good 2007 vintage. To begin, the wine offers sweet grass and green aromas, as in a garden just after the evening dew has fallen. There’s a touch of tropical citrus especially in the flavor. Finishing, the taste lingers pleasantly along the edges of your mouth, almost fizzy in its liveliness.

2009 Villa Wolf Dr. Loosen Pinot Noir Rosé – Germany

Color is very clear and bright, a light pink with a slight orange tint. Soft strawberries and tropical fruit, balanced by a streak of acid and light tannins, make a very pleasant wine with a good mouth-feel. This is a good summer wine that will pair with skewered shrimp or barbecued chicken.

2007 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese

Big nose of chives, candied peach, and persimmon. There is a vein of acidity that breaks up the richness nicely. Still way too young to fully show itself; I’ll hold my last bottle a long time.

Greek Wineries During Times of Crisis: An Insider’s View with George Skouras

Many economists see the ongoing financial crisis that started in 2007 as the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Greece dominated the news this year, and it was finally confirmed on May 2nd that the European governments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are committed to pull Greece back from the brink of default, agreeing to provide emergency loans of € 110 billion.

2007 Clean Slate Riesling – Mosel, Germany

Clear, pale lemon yellow with a little pétillance, or effervescence. Clean nose with light to medium intensity. Youthful aromas including green apple, lemon, lime, pineapple, slate, and anise star. Off-dry with medium acidity, body and light alcohol. Intense fruit flavors characteristic of the variety including apple and lime. Also some pear, orange, and floral notes with a soft minerality on the finish. Great pairing with spicy Phad Thai. For more wine notes and writing, visit Ryan’s blog oe•no•phile.

The Rise of Rocky Mountain Riesling

Most Riesling connoisseurs have long considered Germany, specifically the Mosel Valley, as the varietal’s rightful throne. This is probably still true. The Mosel Valley’s unique, steep slopes of sun-absorbing slate have allowed the cool climate of Central-Western Germany to create ideal Riesling wines for over 150 years. But, as Riesling slowly grows in popularity, vintners around the world, the United States included, are giving it a go in new regions and climates. It is no wonder. While the retail sales of Pinot Gris outgrew all other white wines from 2004 until 2007, Riesling has taken that title for the last few years.

2001 Von Hövel Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Spätlese

The best spatlese I have ever had, dwarfing even the J.J. Prum from the same vintage. A buzz saw of gorge water and river rocks only amplifies the unfolding layers of fruit and spice. Caramel apple and lemon curd melt into a finish that then delivers a gorgeous, clear note of macadamia nut cookie. This [...]

Balthasar Ress Riesling Kabinett 2007

Green, herbal notes in nose, warming to honey and pineapple. Medium-light body with very pleasant tropical fruit balanced by good acidity that lingers through the finish. WHO Balthasar Ress WHAT Riesling Kabinett WHERE Schloss Reicharstshausen, Rheingau, Germany VDP WHEN 2007 HOW MUCH $19 (media sample) PDRTJS_settings_966588 = { “id” : “966588″, “unique_id” : “default”, “title” [...]

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