Quick Reviews
Weinhaus Schloss Koblenz St. Christopher Gewürztraminer – Germany – 2016
Gewurztraminer being my favorite white, having only reached three stars is a disappointing surprise. Too much sugar knocks down the usual gwertz spice, leaving this tasting like a cheap blend. Still good, but just not up to par with other German offerings.
Bodegas Santa Ana Caracter Chardonnay Chenin – Argentina
No year noted. The Bodega Santa Ana makes wine that ranges from middling to terrible, so this is on the better end, but still lacking. Mild, with very faint tart apple and floral notes. Drinkable but forgettable.
Ponga Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – 2017
Passion fruit and crisp apple that brightens this up and makes it slightly unique from other offerings and even other vintages of the same wine. Drinks well by itself, but will be fussy to pair with, so stick with classic fish.
Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon – California – 2016
Middling cab with nearly zero tannins. There’s a point where smooth becomes bland and this approaches that. Nose is expressive with berry and sneaker leather but that doesn’t make it into the glass. Paired with simple lasagne, the wine wilted.
Von Wilhelm Haus Riesling Spätlese – Germany – 2017
Fantastic German reez with a great mix of tart apple and sweet flowers. Tartness might turn off those looking for a more traditional offering and keeps this from five stars but it’s otherwise great
Acumen Mountainside Red – California – 2014
Bold leathery nose, palate is black cherry and earth. Balanced tannins don’t overpower. Very nice and drinks well solo. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec.
Domaine de la Rochette Gamay – France – 2016
Nose of strawberry cupcake, palate is semi-dry bright berry with vanilla hints. Odd duck for a red but it’s proper French gamay, which is always fun.
Miolo Family Vineyards Tannat – Brazil – 2015
Green olive, with a blackberry note hiding behind the typical meaty notes. No leather here, this is a bit more fruity than offerings from nearby Uruguay. Tannat continues to be a surprising grape.
Altitude Project Chardonnay – California – 2017
Where the 2016 was impressive (for an airport wine) the 2017 drops a full star. Too oaky and lacking anything interesting. A low rent domestic chardonnay.
S.A. Prüm Essence Riesling – Germany – 2017
About the same as the prior year’s vintage, but perhaps with less grapefruit. Mild, pleasant and utilitarian, but a fine riesling from Germany which always ranks high in my book. Perfect Goldilocks level of sugar. Those who are not reez-obsessed like me would likely rate this a half star less.