Wine Tasting 16 March 2008

At the wine dinner last week, we sat with Sterling Robinson, Derek's friend from Seven 30 South. We talked about each wine as we tasted them. When we were discussing the Riesling's, he suggested that I try a Riesling from Alsace, France, as they have a different character than the German varieties that I usually get.

When I stopped at Davidson's later in the week, I picked up an Albrecht Riesling from Alsace, as well as another bottle of Schmitt Söhne Riesling QbA. On Friday, a lady that Jeannette works with brought her two bottles of Riesling, to thank her for helping with a project. That gave us a Columbia Winery Cellarmaster's Reserve from Washington state, and a Schlink Haus from Germany. We thought that since we had such an interesting assortment, we should do another wine tasting.

Columbia Winery 2006 Cellarmaster’s Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington
Our Cellarmaster’s Riesling offers fragrant honey, pear and apricot aromas that lead to delectable fruit flavors and crisp acidity. Enjoy with spicy foods, fresh fruit desserts or sipping on your deck or patio.
http://www.ColumbiaWinery.com
Produced and Bottled by
Columbia Winery
Woodinville, WA USA
Alcohol 10.0%
$8.99 at Davidson's

Had a subtle fruity, floral aroma. Medium body, with some spritz. An attack of sweetness, not so well balanced. Acidic mid-palatte, and a bit too much alcoholic finish.

I had all of the opened leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days before I finished them off. After the Columbia had a chance to breathe for a day or two, it actually smoothed out a little bit. The alcohol on the finish wasn’t as strong, and the acidity and sweetness balance seemed better as well. This wine might benefit from decanting, or at least being opened an hour or two in advance to breathe.

Schlink Haus Riesling 2006 Qualitätswein - Rheinhessen
"Schlink Haus Wine Selections represent dependable quality and great values.
The Blue-glass-bottle has been revived from a 200 year old tradition in the Nahe Valley.
The Riesling is the finest and best known of Germany’s white varieties. A crisp and refreshing wine for seafood, chicken and salads."
Bottled & Shipped by:
Günther Schlink GmbH
A.P. Nr. 7 907 008 028 07
D-55543 Bad Kreuznach
in D-54518 Esch
Produce of Germany
imported by: Wein-Bauer, Inc.
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
Alcohol 9.5%
$5.99 at Davidson's

Light bodied, subtle earthy aroma, light straw color. Light fruit up front, apricot note on the finish. Subtle minerality, but overall very smooth.

Lucien Albrecht 2003 Riesling Reserve
Appelation Alsace Controlee
White Alsace Wine
Bottled by Lucien Albrecht
A 68500 Orschwihr Haut-Rhin
Alsace, France
Product of France
Martin Linhoff Selections
Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports, Greenwich, CT
http://www.lucien-albrecht.com
13% alcohol

Mineral presence was noticible in the aroma. Sharp mineral bite, rather dry. Rather tart/sour on the mid-palatte. Would probably pair well with something like filet of Sole with lemon and capers?

I finished the leftover portion of this on St. Partick’s Day evening with some corned beef, potatoes, and saur kraut, which the Albrecht paired with pretty nicely.