Over several nights, the 2002 JJ Christoffel Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese. Full texture, adequate though not bracing acidity, some red cherry fruit mixing with apple and lime. A pleasant but not exciting Riesling. B-/B
With a porterhouse, couscous, and leftover cabbage, the 2002 La Fleur de Bouard (Lalande de Pomerol). I've generally been a fan of this property, a nice example of modern style in the satellites, but this was disappointing. Hard tannins and in-your-face oak, black plum fruit. Charmless. Possibly an awkward period, but I'm happy not to have more. B-/C+
Tonight I made a variation of sole meunier (with blood orange rather than lemon), with leftover couscous and veggies. I opened the 2005 Belliviere "L'Effraie" Coteaux du Loir. Shock and awe! This is not what I expected. The delicious 2004 was just the slightest bit off dry, this is quite sweet. Big mango/papaya fruit, quince, a lanolin note. Impressive and very good wine, but NOT what I wanted with sole. A tentative B+/A-
Luckily I had a drier white nearby. The 2005 Paul Pernot Bourgogne blanc is still a lovely wine for $15. Ripe Bosc and Comice pear, a little butterscotchy note, floral. Mineral core, balanced acidity, good length for level. Much better with my fish. B+
I'll sample these two as I watch the Final Four games tonight (go Heels!!!).
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
