WTN: Undhof, Sandhi

Salomon Undhof 2013 Kremstal Riesling, Erste Lage, "Undhof Kögl." Apparently this is a slightly different wine than the "Steiner Kögl," which is how it was identified on the restaurant wine list (but not the label) -- but no matter: enough richness of fruit to suggest (but then back away from) perceptible RS; intensely floral and minerally with a lot of verve; strongly saline finish that made it an excellent match with sushi and some other modern Japanese items. At $48 for the bottle in an expensive Chicago restaurant, a terrific value.

When we ran out of that, but with more nigiri on the way, we had glasses of Sandhi 2014 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. Divisive, at least at the level of description: Andrea thought it very citrusy, whereas I thought it seemed a lot more tropical (melon and pineapple); but either way, subdued wood and a focused finish kept it interesting, and I think we both enjoyed it well enough, though I'm not sure I'd seek it out again.

[David M. Bueker]

I think we both enjoyed it well enough, though I'm not sure I'd seek it out again.

Pretty much sums up my Sandhi experiences. Same for Domaine de la Cote.

[Jenise]

+1. Haven't had the chardonnay, mind you, but a pinot noir sure didn't seem up to the winemaker's reputation.

My first Moorman, of any variety. It's funny, I'd seen both of your comments about the Sandhi PN while researching the wine list, which is one thing that kept me from ordering a bottle of this. A glass was just the right amount, so thanks for that...

Wait, that's not true: isn't he also the winemaker at Stolpman? I had a good run of Stolpman rosés a couple of years ago. Not sure I've had anything else from them.

... Sandhi 2014 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. ... I'm not sure I'd seek it out again.

I opened one of these recently and felt the same way. The acidity was awkward as if it were unnatural, with the body neither lithe nor round. It was rather a strange wine, but it cooked very well!