Dinner with friends 6-1603

[Florida Jim]

Aperitif:

1999 Nigl, Riesling Hochacker:

an extraordinary nose of lime skin, fresh air, pears, minerals, flowers and strawberry, with a touch of bacon fat and a hint of anise; very complex/

medium body, graceful and intense flavors follow the nose with a very distinct salty mineral and stone element, a smooth and viscous texture with a rain-water note, expansive in the mouth, concentrated and complex, a bright acid backbone, great balance/

very long, crisp finish.

Very few wines in my experience approach the degree of complexity exhibited here. Classic Riesling but so much more. Excellent today and a great future ahead. A truly fine wine.

About $18, discounted.

With turkey meatballs with steamed collard greens in a chicken broth of fresh tomato and chopped basil:

2000 Lapierre Cambon Beaujolais:

deep black cherry and chocolate tones in the nose with some spice, animal and baked earthen scents/

medium body, equally deep flavors follow the nose and show black fruits in addition, concentrated, dense, intense, balanced/

medium length finish with a very slight alcoholic heat.

At 14.5% alcohol, this ain’t your Momma’s Beaujolais. A rich and smooth delivery of ripe flavors with lots of oomph and character. Good now; good later.

About $15, discounted.

Best, Jim

[pixelchef]

Thanks Jim. Your notes are always incredibly tasty.

I've noticed you almost always have very positive things about Riesling. Would you say it's your favourite grape? It absolutely is mine.

[Florida Jim]

I've noticed you almost always have very positive things about Riesling.  Would you say it's your favourite grape?

Well, let's just say its one of my favorites, particularly the dryer versions.

But if someone told me I could have no more Gamay, Pinot Noir or Syrah, we'd be forced to "dance." :)

Best, Jim

[Craig Camp]

14.5% on a straight Beaujolais? That must be a mouthfull! You mentioned the heat - how is the fruit?

[Florida Jim]

14.5% on a straight Beaujolais? That must be a mouthfull! You mentioned the heat - how is the fruit?

Ripe without being jammy. But again, this wine is more about Gamay than Beaujolais.

Best, Jim