Showing posts with label petrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label petrol. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Weil Estate Riesling Rheingau 2007



When I talk to people about trying to find a wine that smells like gasoline, it's generally accepted as a joke.  Unless, of course, I'm talking to someone who knows Riesling.  On a recent visit to the Wine House in West Los Angeles, I asked about just that.  

They're very helpful at the Wine House, and when I asked for help in finding a Riesling with a good strong hint of petrol, the response was quick and accurate.  Robert Weil's Estate Riesling is as dry as a bone and as German as a Volkswagen.  The pale yellow color looks tame enough, but the nose brings that petrol aroma along with a floral note.  The wine tastes tart, with bracing minerals and a well-balanced acidity. 

Varietal:  100% Riesling
Appelation:  Germany > Rheingau
Vintage:  2007
Alcohol Level:  11.5% abv
Price:  $15
Acquisition Disclaimer:  Purchased by author




Wednesday, October 14, 2009

"They Got This Recession On" Wines, Part 1

Paraphrasing a line from O Brother, Where Art Thou?, I will spend a few posts sampling some bargain-priced wines to see how much bang I can get for under ten bucks. Here is the first in a series of Recession Buster Wines.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling 2007

(Disclaimer: The author bought this wine at the supermarket.)

The Bottle: The sleek Rhine-style bottle is one of my favorite wine containers. On my list, it comes in just after the box. Just kidding. The slender bottle may contain a sweet delight or a dry and pungent, well, delight. I can take a Riesling however it comes. This one is produced by Washington's "founding winery," as they call it, from vineyards in the Columbia Valley. The Chateau Ste. Michelle brand is well respected and readily available in a large variety of retail outlets. I don't like the way "grocery store wine" sounds, because there are many fine wines available at our supermarkets in Southern California. This brand is one you've probably encountered while shopping. It usually runs about $13, but I spotted it on sale for $7.

The Nose
: There is a trace of that wonderful petrol aroma right away, although it doesn't define the smell. It's a really gorgeous nose, with melon and minerals appearing stridently. Don't drink it too chilled - I'd hate for you miss out on the bouquet.

The Taste
: It's a clean and fresh taste on my palate with a variety of flavors. On one taste, the melon. On the next, some orange peel. Then there's that tinge of gasoline. And on each sip is the ever-present sense of minerals that really makes a white wine soar. In my mouth, a full and rich feel is accompanied by great acidity. This would be a perfect wine for a plate of grilled calamari or steamed mussels.