A bit of a palate stroll for me here, a pair of Alsatian whites, and a German ring in, about which I know very little.
Albert Mann 02 Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling Straw green gold. Delicate nose that doesnÂ’t give up much at all. The palate is similarly fine. Delicate and sexy, I'm immediately reminded of the 03 Felton Road dry riesling. Granny Smith Apple, honeydew melon, gooseberry, even unripe kiwi fruit, with hints of passionfruit, pineapple and lychee on a palate which almost heads toward fatness, but is held in check by a real halter chain of fine acid, which melts through a few grams of residual sugar. 13% Alcohol, but doesnÂ’t show. Clare Valley it aint, but I'm learning to like this style!
Albert Mann 02 Gewurztraminer Slightly golden. A relatively quiet nose at first, which starts to show some grapeseed with time. The palate is a case of time evolution as well, with simple grapeseed as the bottle opens. The other strong first impression is the oily texture and spices which build on the tongue with every sip. A veil is then lifted to show some grape, lychee, spice and rosepetal over time. On the first night, the 14% alcohol really unbalanced this wine, but looking at it 24 hours later it only shows as a bit of back palate heat. Lovely flavours, but not completely happy with the structure.
and the Dr L:
Dr Loosen "Dr L" Riesling 01 About $25. Straw. Nose is lemon and passionfruit and quite austere. In the mouth this is immediately mouth puckering, but there is a touch of residual sugar in there, just a touch though. Palate is very fine and austere, and the dryest I've had so far in my new tour thru Germany and Alsace. Austere Lemon, almost spritzy, this could be hunter sem or even Clare riesling. Fine and tight, and a cracking options wine. I thought this was built to age for some time, but 48 hours later this had gone completely to vinegar, so I'm less hopeful.
An interesting set of diversions.
cheers
Andrew