Gruner...

2007 Domäne Wachau (yes, it's spelled that way on the label) Gruner Veltliner Terrassen Federspiel, Wachau, Austria... nice on day one, better and revealed more classic GV style on day two... in screwcap. Pale straw to watery rim, m intensity, m+ viscosity, pear skin, apple rind and peach blossom with honeysuckle, white pepper and basil. Well balanced, clean finish. Not incredible, not too bad...

Continued thoughts on pricing...

I recently wrote a response to a question from a friend and vineyard owner in Oregon as to what kinds of pricing pressures I was seeing in Florida in general... I thought about posting it on here, but in the end felt it was far too one sided and opinionated (which is ok, but it's riddled with specific examples I'd rather not share in such a public fashion). I would love to hear someone else's thoughts on this topic... and would be happy to share my comments by e-mail.

Better to be buying than selling...

Just got an offer from a well-known (and well respected) retailer - they deliver the goods. While it still has a long way to go, prices are coming back - and though they are still too high - it is one of those buying opportunities to get in on some great wines at better pricing... just look around a little bit - someone else might have it cheaper!

New Year, New Direction...

So, as I write my first entry of 2009... I shoudl tell you a little of what I've been up to. On December 3rd, I had my last day at a fabulous and wonderful organization - one that I feel honored and humbled to have worked for. I enjoyed my time, and from what you can see from this blog - the tremendous wines that I tried in such quantites I can not ever expect to taste them in the same way again. I miss my friends, collegues, and others, but it was time to move on... So, we moved from West Palm Beach to Orlando (I still can't even THINK about moving someplace cold!) But, as life moves on, so do our values and views on the world - and on what's most important - and what will pose new - and interesting - challenges. So... I become a teacher. Somthing that combines my love and passion for all things drinkable with the joy and pride of helping to educate others and hopefully make an impact on their careers in this fabulous business that is wine (and beer, and spirits (especially Tequila!), and other concoctions).

So... it is with this first post... that we go towards a topic that has been covered numerous times - BEER! Drank an Aventinus (Weizenbock) this evening... so beautiful with it's wonderful sweet fruit and intense hoppiness... at 8.9% alcohol, not a beast, but not rediculous either. Very wonderful stuff... Also, as usual... Anchor Steam... I just love the stuff.

Interesting wines from the week include the 2004 Alvaro Palacios "Les Terrasas" which was spectacular - amazing depth and terroir-driven earth and spice. Much more "together" than the 2005, which was tasted side by side. For the money - an amazing wine and really a "baby L'Ermita". Capable of 10+ years and I'll probably stick a few away. The 2005 Joseph Drouhin Volnay (village) was spectacular - still showing an awful lot of wood characteristic right now - I hope the fruit comes through - but the structure is there. The 2006 Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouche (Rouge) is beautiful - more acid and riper fruit, the wine is young, but pretty... The 2004 Chateau Plince (Pomerol) was chocolate, plums, and cedary anise. Great for the $$, and a testament to the quality that was blessed upon Bordeaux in this so-called "off" vintage... Have a bottle of 2004 Miguel Torres "Mas La Plana" Cabernet Sauvignon to open soon as well... enjoy, and I hope to be writing more soon!