Coenobium Rusticum is a white wine made from a blend of organically grown Trebbiano, Malvasia and Verdicchio grapes, which have been fermented on their skins for 15 days. This extended skin contact is rather unusual for a white wine. Skin contact extracts more color and flavor compounds and results in wines with a fuller body but lesser focus on fruit. The Coenobium Rusticum 2008 with its deep copper color thus has a delightfully earthy character (or rustic, as the wine's name suggests).
The 2008 Coenobium has enough substance to be enjoyed by itself, but it also perfect with a pork roast or a variety of cheeses.
The Montinore Almost Dry Riesling is from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The grapes are farmed organically. It has a medium lemon color. Medium(-) intensity of apple aroma and flowers. Off-dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol and body. Slightly creamy mouthfeel. Medium(-) intensity of ripe apples, berries with an herbaceous touch. Medium(-) length. I like the sonorous fruit - ripe apple, pear, raspberry - along with that slightly minty touch. But this Riesling is a bit short, it does not linger and thus it does not leave a lasting expression. Drink within the next 2 years.
The grapes were harvested manually and pressed as whole bunches with a pneumatic press. Fermentation was then started with natural yeasts only. The wine was not filtered and matured on its lees.
The Cuvee Albert Riesling has a medium lemon color. Its nose is still very youthful and has a medium intensity of stones, mushroom, green pear and a hint of smoke. Dry on the palate with a crisp acidity. Medium body. Medium intensity of pear, citrus fruit and minerality. Medium length.
Albert Mann's 2002 Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru demonstrates quite beautifully why Alsatian Rieslings rank amongst the finest in the world. It starts with its appearance of a brilliant golden color. How is it possible, I ask myself, to create a liquid so clear and vibrant?
Vieilles Vignes means old vines in French and those of Laurent Barth's 2008 Riesling are between 35 and 61 years old, farmed organically. It has a medium lemon color and a medium intensity of ripe apples and woodruff aromas. The latter becomes stronger as the wine breathes in the glass. It is dry on the palate (the label even states "sec" on the label, in small letters). The acidity is medium high, just the right amount for a rather somber palate of grapefruit, bruised apple and bread crust - very dense and chewy! Medium length.
Medium straw color. Youthful nose - very mineral with ethereal floral aromas of honeysuckle. Slightly off-dry on the palate. Medium(+) acidity. Medium alcohol and body. Pronounced intensity of floral and pear flavors. Very spicy. Medium to long length with a finish of ripe apple flavors.
Beautiful golden color. Developed nose with a pronounced intensity of honey, white chocolate, quince and minerality. Medium sweet on the palate with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol and medium body. Pronounced intensity of quince, bitter orange marmalade and mineral flavors. Long length with a peach fruit finish. Drink now through 2025.
Frankly, I would never have even thought about buying a white wine that states an alcohol level of 16.4% on its label. And a Californian Chardonnay on top of it? Not in a million years. But the Brewer-Clifton Sweeney Canyon Chardonnay 2005 was a birthday present from my brother.
My first Boxler. I was always drawn to the beauty of Boxler's labels, but looking at the price tag always made my hand go elsewhere (cheaper) on the wine shelf in the store (Astor Wines). Which is not always the right thing to do. At some point I made the right decision. I left those two inexpensive wines I initially spotted on the shelf and this time bought the Boxler Riesling Vielles Vignes 2005 instead. Not outrageously expensive at $34, but still more than what I tend to open on a Wednesday evening. I'm glad I did.
