Dinner to help some friends break in their newly remodeled kitchen
1995 Schweiger Cabernet Sauvignon
An angry wine with tannins and a mean acid streak at the core. Some nice fruit but not enough to compliment the rest of the package. "Too much" for me and even NJ, an avid Cab-o-Phile, avoided it. Not sure where this is heading but I'm glad I don't own any.
1997 Clape Cornas
Saturated cork but the wine gave its usual solid showing. Another fine example of producer trumping vintage and the pointists. Excellent with the grilled loin lamb chops. Very enjoyable and I'll leave it at that.
2000 Alban Reva Syrah
Less reduced than the previous bottles of this I've tasted. Seems to improve after being open after a few hours or maybe it benefits from palate fatigue. I found the wine tiring to drink and unfocused. Guess I just don't "get" all the fuss about Alban and should note that others seemed to enjoy it more than I did.
1996 Selbach-Oster, Zeitlinger Sonnenuhr, Auslese
Medium gold color with a core of acidity to balance the honeyed stone fruits. I was a bit surprised (and pleased) that the acidity was as manageable as it was given the reputation of the vintage. Mouthcoating with some petroly/diesely stuff trying to emerge. Paired well with the regaular and chocolate cheesecakes. Glad I have a few more in the cellar.
A very enjoyable evening.