The Bordeaux 2022 campaign has been well under way for some weeks now. “The best vintage in decades” or even “of all time”, that’s what I’ve heard more than once and what wine sellers would like us to believe. That may well be the case. I can’t argue for the opposite, because I haven’t had the chance to try any of the 2022 Bordeaux wines, yet. However, from a wine buyer’s or collector’s point of view, does it make sense to purchase Bordeaux wines en primeur? In general, and for the 2022 vintage in particular.
Continue reading “Bordeaux 2022 En Primeur”Sunday visit to Schloss Biebrich in the Rheingau
Yesterday, we’ve been to Schloss Biebrich near the city of Wiesbaden in the Rheingau region. The weather was beautiful. There was also a horse riding event going on in the palace gardens, so the place was quite busy.
The palace itself is one of the most popular Baroque residences along the Rhine river. It was designed by architect Julius Ludwig Rothweil and finished in the early 1700s.
After a walk through the park we decided to enjoy the scenery along the river, where I also found a wine tasting stand. The winery servicing the stand yesterday was Weingut Frosch. I was quite pleased with their off-dry 2021 Riesling Spätlese Kostheimer Weiß Erd. Refreshingly fruity with a mild acidity it was an instant pleaser in the hot early-Summer sun.
Back home I was inspired to open another Rheingau Riesling. You’ll find my tasting note of the 2013 August Kesseler Rüdesheim Riesling here.
Late 80s Bordeaux delivered from France
A handful of late 80s Bordeaux wines arrived at the cellar today. Also a few more recent ones, such as the 2015 Château d’Aiguilhe, which supposedly is a wonderful “value” Bordeaux, and the 2016 Closerie Saint Roc. Finally, Dominique Lafon makes an appearance with his Bourgogne Aligoté.
I will taste most of these at some point during the year, hopefully in the company of good friends and family, so stay tuned.
Aged Burgundy in half bottles
Two new arrivals from Kierdorf Wein for a mini tasting today. Can’t wait to see how these two matured burgundies from a half bottle will show. 😊 Tasting notes coming soon.
Tasting at Weingut Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof
We had lots of fun at Nik Weis’ St. Urbans-Hof winery in Leiwen at the Mosel today. Thank you for the very friendly service and excellent wine tasting! 🤗 Nik Weis and his team produce elegant Rieslings — dry, off-dry, and sweet — which are typical of the region. They not only have vineyards at the Mosel but also at the Saar west of Trier.
Surprise visit to Schloss Lieser at the Moselle
We’ve had a beautiful day at the Moselle today. My wonderful wife surprised me with a stay at Schloss Lieser. Blue sky, sunshine, and surrounded by some of the oldest Riesling vines in the world.
Welcome to the cellar: Domaine A.-F. Gros
2018 Domaine A.-F. Gros Vosne-Romanée “Les Chalandins” arrived in the cellar. Can’t wait to try the first bottle soon!
Some bottles of Château Citran arrived in the cellar
New additions to the cellar: Château Citran 2004, 2013, and 2016 from the Haut-Médoc.
I’m quite excited about Ch. Citran these days. Great value especially by Bordeaux standards. The Merlaut family also owns Chasse-Spleen, amongst others. Eric Boissenot is consultant.
Tasting notes coming soon!
Spanish wines at Hotel-Restaurant Blume in Baden-Baden
This evening, we’ve been to the lovely Hotel and Restaurant Blume in Sandweier, Baden-Baden. Outstanding food, local and handmade. 👍 Lamb salad, lamb chops with ratatouille, venison goulash with cranberries and handmade spaetzle. Crème brûlée and mousse au chocolat. With the main course, we had a Tempranillo Crianza from Ribera del Duero by Miguel Torres. After dinner, a short tasting of two Spanish white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, both from José Pariente.
“Nikolaus” Dinner with Burgundy and Bordeaux
It’s been another nice advent evening with the family, homemade French food, and good wines! We started off with the Marie Ambal Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne by Veuve Ambal. Fine acidity and sweet strawberries. It was easy-going as an aperitif and paired well with a hot onion soup.
The main course was boeuf bourguignon, served with a red bordeaux, the 2015 Château Brun. This château from Saint Émilion may be relatively unknown, but it has been in family ownership since 1571. Today, it works with the oenologist Gilles Paquet, whose former clients include Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc.
