WTN: Anybody seen the bridge?

[David M. Bueker]

Where's that confounded bridge...

Dinner at home:

1996 Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Hill Vineyard
There have been any number of aspersions cast Ravenswood's way in the last few years, many of them mine. This wine was a poignant reminder of what Joel Peterson was (and I hope is) capable of. Crushed raspberry, invigoating/refreshing acidity & a leathery, dusty streak made for a seamless, food-friendly whole that told the tale of what can happen when the angels visit.

2001 Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese
I can frequently be accused of hyperbole in my Donnhoff notes, but this is the real deal. From a half bottle this is just now overcoming teenage truculence to reveal a creamy edge that is still butressed by invigorating acidity. The fruit is still primary, with only a trace of petrol/smoke hovering over a finish that is as long as a sentence from Faulkner and as haunting as a passage from Shelley. Amazing wine that is just starting to come into its own.

I'm getting old. I knew HOTH, but had to look up name of song.

[David M. Bueker]

For some reason that song (which I actually hate) comes unbidden to me whenever I have a bottle of Brucke.

[David M. Bueker]

Just an update: the Old Hill held up very well into night two. The Brucke is beyond belief. Wow!

The Brucke is beyond belief. Wow!

I'm shocked - how on earth did a half bottle of Brucke survive beyond a single day?

Re. your comment on Ravenswood - has there been a decline of sorts in the last few years? Interesting to hear those Zins can survive/age that well - I've only had one of their very recent/cheaper Zins (the 06 Sonoma County) which didn't do much for me.

[David M. Bueker]

I specifically tried to hold a glass of the Brucke for night two.

As for Ravenswood, I did not care for the wines from about 1998 onward*, but have had limited tasting experience from 2001 to the present. Those who have tasted more recently point to a return to form.

*disjointed and harsh acidity