Holding fourth

[Florida Jim]

1999 Alzinger, Riesling Smaragd Loibenberg:

An intense and structured wine that is not at maturity nor even close but still showing good depth and acidity; 13% alcohol and destined to be much more than it is.

1996 Weinbach, Riesling Schlossberg (Grand Cru), Cuvee St. Catherine:

Sweet on the nose – to the point that one might think it a VT or SGN – but dry on the palate and showing well but slightly past its apex; 13% alcohol and better drunk now than later.

1999 Rbt. Chevillon, Nuits-St.-Georges Les Chaignots:

A wine of discernable character on the nose with fairly deep scents of Nuits, earth, olive and very dark fruit; not so much on the palate where things are leaner and not yet together although the stuffing is obvious; persistent finish. Miles to go before it is impressive but the nose alone is worth the cork pulling.

NV Inniskillin, Sparkling Ice Wine (375 ml):

100% vidal and 10% alcohol; an interesting but not fascinating wine where the powerful sweetness of the ice wine is cut by the bubbles but with little else happening to make this either memorable or exceptional.

Best, Jim