WTN: A Cal Syrah, and a German RS

[Jean Brislance]

Two from late this week...

2002 Red Car “Some Like It Red” Syrah - A Syrah-dominated blend, with 75% Syrah, 22% Pinot Noir, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. I looked back at my previous note on this from early summer, and I said some complimentary things, but noted the wine seemed wild and untamed, with some distracting heat. This time, it was worse. The wine was nothing but alcohol, oak, and heat. Virtually undrinkable. I don’t know what else to say, it was just not good.

2003 Alfred Bonnet Riesling Spatlese Pfalz Friedelscheimer Schlossgarten - Pale golden color. Lots of minerals and stone on the nose, with some peach and tropical fruit. Lots of pretty fruit, with peach, pineapple, apple, lemon zest, along with some honey and minerals. A little fat in the mouth to start with some up-front sweetness, but there is eventually a cleansing acidity that comes into play on the finish. The finish is pretty zippy with decent length. All in all, not a bad $12 purchase. Yet another nice little bargain Riesling to accompany sushi.

All the best,

Jean