BBQ--paired best with the Gewurz
Terragon pepper--best with Gewurz, good with the rose too
Sweet & Sour--great with the Pinot
Butcher's rub--outstanding with the Pinot
- 2004 Franz Hirtzberger Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Rotes Tor - Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau (3/30/2010)
Note after a few hours of being open while on ice.
Nose of honey, a touch of florals, white peach, pear, and an occasional mineral streak. Feel in the mouth is medium or richer, with a nice honey backdrop allowing for various white & citrus fruits layered on top; nuances of dried florals present themselves as well. A touch of sweetness is intriguing. Finishes with a mineral acidity accented by a touch of mild white pepper on apricot, white melon, and generic citrus fruits. Juicy, mouth-watering acidic flavors carry on for quite a while. Drinking great tonight. 90-92 (91 pts.)
- 2002 Mount Cass Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Canterbury, Waipara (3/30/2010)
After a few hours past opening (no decanter though), nose is cherry, some root vegetable, and a touch of funk. Tasting brings an overarching earthiness, with bright acid in cherry form buttressing a medium, complete mouthfeel. Transitions to vibrant, more fruit forward black cherry, raspberry, cherry, and nicely acidic finish. Tannins are almost completely resolved.
Likely drinking at peak, but food friendly despite leaning (slightly) toward a fruit-forward profile. Had with a sweet corn, bacon, and cheddar risotto and proved to be an admirable pairing. (88 pts.)
- 2007 Murphy's Law Lemberger Rosé - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (3/29/2010)
Nose of strawberry puree, bubble gum, and a hint of floral & citrus too. Tastes of strawberry bubblegum, transitions to candied bright red berries & that hint of citrus. Good acid, enjoyable body, but a short finish. I like it though; a nice food friendly sipper (82 pts.)
