Back On The Habit

Yes.. I know...I was attempting to 'kick the habit' of Pinot Noir..but someone pointed me to an article in the New York Times..and as I was sympathetic to those drinkers in the U.S.A.(OK ..only a little)...and so my taste buds drew me to this bottle in the cellar..and I weakened.......how can I criticise Amy Winehouse..when I can't stop taking MY drug?

2003 was a HOT vintage in Germany...sometimes it just mesmerized the grapes...but made by a good grower..it is an experience. The secret was to keep some sort of balance..and not let the heat dominate.

Knipser Großkarlbacher Burgweg Spätburgunder
Auslese Trocken 2003
Lots of smoke at first..then ripe fruit..raspberries...quite a full mouthful..
with lots of sweet fruit..and a nice tang of tannin..and good acidity holds this together.
Points 17.75




PS....Spätburgunder Vintages
One should not 'generalise' vintages..as it depends very much on the 'man behind the wheel'..but someone wrote recently..that they had tasted wines from 2004 that didn't appeal...I can identify with that...however..the vintage may show better with age.
2003 was very good indeed..if..as I stated above..the grower got it right.
BUT
2005 is the one...nearly every wine I have tasted has been VERY drinkable young..and many will develope over the next few years....buy them...then join me in the cellar as we secretly sniff our drug.

Kicking The Habit

I was planning to drink this over two days..I refrained from decanting it..after all my Pinot Noir bottles recently..I wanted something that would help me 'kick the habit' gently...and this seemed the solution.

Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2005
Douro, Portugal
If you read various sources..between 60- 80 year-old vines..but the back of the bottle says 70 years old..and they should know! Made up of 25-30 grape types....sounds like a real old 'melange'.

Deep..secretive dark red-black colour...a nose that gives you cassis and vanilla and some smoke..the palate throws up dark cherries, marzipan, spices...concentration..and ripe, sweet tannins...towards the end of the 'first' half..the tannins became a little more dominant..but never obtrusive...delicate but powerful.

Day two..24 hours later...aroma of dry port(Douro is the home of Port)..the components have knitted together more...but the tannins seem dryer and more dominant...not quite as 'exotic' and rich as previous day...needed food.

If you were told to drink only a glass of wine a day..this is a good choice...as it will last over a period of days.

My tip for the BEST time..decant 6 hours before drinking..and share with a friend!

Points 17.25+