Gritsch, Gruner Veltliner, Singerriedel Vyd., Federspiel 2009

Yellow. Shows residual CO2.

Nose of poached pear/peach, lentil, pepper.

Seems atypically powerful and deep for a federspiel. Really loaded with peach and pepper flavors. Great persistence - RFG. Bass and treble "interplay"..


$22. Tin-lined screwcap.

Vieux Donjon, Chateauneuf-du Pape 2000

Deep, dull red. Brick rim.

Vinturi - deep, loaded nose of grilled meat, smoke, grilled herbs. Cherry and ketchup in background. Could be confused with a ripe vintage Hermitage.

Round, sweet (texturally) and a bit oxidative.. Unfortunate. I assume an off bottle. But possibly better tomorrow. You never know.

Day 3 - Great sense of textural sweetness and density now without the oxidative aspect. Odd, but I've seen this occasionally with other wines. Still reminds me as much of the northern Rhone as anything else...


$50 on release

Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf du Pape 2000

Dull red, brick rim.

Vinturi - integrated, subtle nose of roasted nut, smoke, cherry liqueur, spicy ketchup and wilted herbs.

Round, mouth-filling and essentially at peak. Just an edge of acid/tannin synergy to frame luscious red cherry coulis, spice and herb flavors. Might improve slightly with another 2-3 years in bottle, but I'd start drinking this now..


$50 on release.