*Former Wine Critic @ Robert Parker Wine Advocate, reviewing wines from 2006➡️June, 2023, primarily Portugal, Greece, USA off of West Coast (esp. NY, VA) & others in E. Europe, Middle East. Retired.
*Recovered trial lawyer. Long retired. Interested in things besides wine & law--travel, photography, politics, film, music, art and SyFy, among others.
HEADER PHOTO: Santorini, Greece
This is a new Masto instance for me, but been at Masto a couple of years longer than the 11/24 date on this one!
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Sousão (Vinhão in Vinho Verde) might be tamer in Douro, but it's still crisp, elegant and shows off a medley of dark red fruits. Earthier with age, it's held well and the good acidity no doubt helped. It is silkier than most reds.
Perfect food wine, easy to pair, easy to drink now. Vallado does a nice job with it. It does seem to be fully ready. It is still fine the next day, but not as vibrant as it was when young.
13.5% alc, $40-ish for new years.
This Riesling "GB" was in perky form, easygoing at a young age. It's light on its feet, projecting grace and delicate persistence,dancing across the tongue. It's dry but not stern, and perfectly balanced. It's not a landmark bolt from the blue, but it's easy to like
N.B. There's "GB" at the bottom, the producer's own choice for this Mosel Riesling, in place of "G.G." (Grosses Gewächs) which designation this producer couldn't use in 2021
12% alc, about $40 these days.
Les bleus have taken over Philadelphia.
Mon dieu. They brought me neither wine nor cheese.
https://www.tiktok.com/@phillypublicist/video/7654232070054513934?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Mostly wild yeast, a part is barrel fermented, but the wood doesn't pop out. Alc 13%.This small-production "Wild Paths" bottling is around $40 these days.
"It's summer, you need me."
This high altitude old-vines '19 Robola projects aggression and austerity--letting it warm up is a very good idea. There's tension and mouth pucker, a bit of lemon. It adds pungent citrus on the nose, stonewashed minerality on the palate and a little flint. Invigorating and very dry, this screwcapped white is unevolved, frozen in time. That warmth helped, but it also needed food and time--come back the next day. Maybe two.
To reply for conclusion
New York City on a beautiful sunny day...add Broadway... pretty busy. Might need a traffic cop for the sidewalk😂 But it sure works for me.
This dessert Riesling desperately needed aging, which has brought it into good balance. Serious stickies do better with aging!
Once just unctuous, it's now a complete package with integration of sugar and fruit. In its opulent style, it doesn't have much zing, but it's fresh, coats the palate, resists overkill and is insanely delicious. It's tinged with peaches, led by enticing aromatics.
7.8% alc. It's pricey as a half bottle (over $60, but new years are 500ml). #wine #fingerlakes #riesling
1/2
Thought 2013 Douro whites were better than reds, if only because less erratic (good reds were pretty nice). This is in great shape, handling aging perfectly and benefiting from time. Solid & fresh, it has the depth to counter a perky opening and the mouth-coating fruit to wrap around the acidity too. It's a nice exercise in balance and texture now, with the wood better pulled in. It shines more as it warms. Don't drink it too cold. Able to age more, but ready.
See #2, back label for details
