11-March-2004
We arrived at Gidleigh a day before the "formal" wine weekend started.
The following two wines accompanied our Thursday night wonderful dinner there.
| Wehlener Sonnenuhr 'Auslese' |
1989 |
J.J Prum |
3/04. Had this wine at Gidleigh Park, England.
The celebrated J.J Prum is considered by many to be among the very best German wine producers. In his Mosel domaine he produces a vast portfolio of wines, but the Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling is the jewel in the crown. 1989 was an extraordinary vintage for almost any white wine in Europe, and especially so in Alsace and Germany.
COLOR: Shiny golden color, tempting and inviting.
NOSE: Grapefruit, saffron, some honey and the distinct Riesling petrolly aromas. Deep, enticing and totally harmonized.
TASTE: Quite sweet though not immensely so. Superbly balanced by acidity. Focused, winey and excellent grip. Otherworldly tasty.
LENGTH: Infinite length. Everlasting pleasure-inducing aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Feather weight (7.5% alcohol) but wonderfully concentrated and beautifully balanced.
OVERALL: Outstanding! A perfect wine to be enjoyed with or without food. Around its peak now though will last for many more years.
| MARK: 19/20. | BUY MORE? Yes. |
3/04. Had this wine at Gidleigh Park, England.
I don't have vast experience with American wines and have never been a fan of the fruit-bombs they love so much over there. Having said that, there are however a few wines I have tasted a number of times and have fallen in love with. Joseph Phelps Insignia is one and Ridge Monte Bello is another.
I understand 1994 was an excellent vintage in California, so was looking forward to taste this fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon.
COLOR: Deep garnet, hardly any clearing around the rim.
NOSE: Black fruit and cassis, herbs, wood and a touch of milky tone. Very nice and complex nose, much 'broader' than the usually one-dimensional Cabernets.
TASTE: Tasty, complex with deep flavors. Concentrated but not overly so. Tannins still quite noticeable though they are by no means harsh. Very tasty and elegant.
LENGTH: Medium-long and very pleasant aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium-full body, winey, full of flavors and very well balanced.
OVERALL: Superb. A wonderful wine that needs a few more years to completely harmonize.
| MARK: 18.5/20. | BUY MORE? Yes. |
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Jacob "Yak" Shaya.