Four Rieslings Tasted, Reviewed

Here's what folks are saying about the Rieslings at our tasting tonight

Rocky Gully Dry Riesling, by Frankland Estates, Frankland River, Australia 2006
Importer Notes: From one of the most remote vineyard sites in the world comes this intensely flavored yet elegant "bone dry" Riesling. Beautiful citrus and dusty mineral notes jump out of the glass. On the palate, intense limey citrus flavors abound, with delicate mineral and earth notes adding to the persistent finish. Just delicious drinking.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellars:  Bright straw. Racy, mineral-accented lime and grapefruit aromas offer impressive focus and a suave wet stone quality. Clean, energetic and juicy, displaying brisk, floral-accented citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Shows a peppery quality on the tangy finish. 89 Points

Claiborne & Churchill "Alsatian Style" Dry Riesling, Central Coast CA 2006
Winemaker's Notes:  We are impressed by the fruit, length, minerality and the finesse of the 2006 vintage. Unmistakable aromas of kaffir lime and white peach greet you from the glass, balancing racy acidity and rich fruit. Although fresh and lovely in its youth, this is unquestionably a wine with the ability to age well under proper cellar conditions, developing nuance and character as it reaches maturity over the next decade or more.

Theo Minges Riesling Halbtrocken, Pfalz Germany 2007 
Importer's Notes:  Minges' Liters are always at or near the top in sheer VALUE, and this is no exception; it's a little drier than usual but is salty and long and full of the herbal-citric 2007 complexity; salty and gulpable. I'm culpable for the gulpable. For the asking price, this is one stunning Minges.

Kung Fu Girl Riesling, by Charles Smith Wines Colombia Valley WA 2007
Winemaker Notes:  Grapes grown in the rocky soils of Evergreen vineyard produce this fantastic single vineyard Riesling. Aromatics - think: Asian pear, white peach and spring flowers. Follow this with a burst of flavor and a long fresh satisfying finish. 

Caveats & Fine Print: 

For those who are unfamiliar with how we do things at these tastings, it's really quite simple, and a whole lot of fun.

One Monday a month we set aside a portion of the restaurant for those who want to revel in the glory of the grape with others of their own ilk. It's just $23, and for that paltry sum you get tastes (roughly 2-3 ounce pours) of 4 different wines in some sort of cohesive theme (this year it's varietals), as well as a tapa or two to match and some sparkling conversation with winemakers, wine sellers, fellow wine lovers and of course Kim and Yours Truly.

All are welcome, from the novice to the bonafide sommelier. All you need is an interest in wine and the ability to bend your elbow. Actually, not even that - we have straws if you need'em.

Slow Food members get $2.00 off, and everyone who sticks around for a full dinner afterward can enjoy 25% off any bottle on our list.

It’s always on a Monday, and the fun always begins at 6:30. Make your reservations by calling the restaurant at 319.354.1001.

And while I have your rapt attention.... 

One  last quick reminder that my book is out - and now it's at Prairie Lights Books too.  And next week, it'll be available at Amazon and everywhere else.  So stop by Devotay or PLB and pick up a copy for yourself.  And for your neighbor. And for your neighbor's doctor.  And for your neighbor's doctor's neighbor.  And the pool boy.....