I happen to love German rieslings, but you don't see a lot of them here. I am not sure why, but I think there are a couple of reasons: (1) availability, as the SAQ has limited selections (2) I am never quite sure what meal I should be pairing an off-dry Riesling with, and (3) they tend to be pricey. But when local wine guru Bill Z reviewed some recent German arrivals last summer I picked up a half dozen - this was one of those recommendations.The 2004 Keller Riesling Trocken (Rheinhessen) was glittering gold in the glass, with a nose of yeast (more like wet bread dough), banana, honey, flint and a faint hint of petrol. Impeccably textured on the palate, crisp and minerally with a nice backdrop of limes, this was one of the only wines I have ever tasted that was good before dinner, paired with the salad, paired with dinner, and was reopened the next day to increased pleasure. Very versatile, nicely made, all at a pretty good price point - the world needs more wine like this.
cork. 12% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$22.85 (SAQ)
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7 comments:
pretty high compliments for a wine that scores 16.5 on the joe scale.
I really need to drink more riesling. I love the stuff, but for some reason very rarely buy it. Perhaps I'll get on a Riesling kick instead of a Sauvignon Blanc kick this spring/summer!
Hi Neil - good catch. Two comments (1) I give points for balance and complexity - the balance was there, but just a bit shy on the complexity - I would say 17 equates to a 90 in that other scoring system, so not a bad showing (2) I try to be "price independent" in my scoring, but not in my notes. At this price I think it was a great Riesling - the Alsace Riesling I tasted here was 18pts, but much more expensive - what I meant is the world needs more great Riesling at a reasonable price!
Hi Sonadora - agreed, I need to drink more as well, but like you I rarely buy Riesling for some inexplicable reason!
Don't worry, Joe and Megan. I buy more than enough Riesling to pick up the slack for both of you.
In a province with limited German Riesling availability, count yourself particularly luck to have found anything from Keller on the shelves. His wines are not at all widely distributed. This is his simplest wine, aside from the basic stuff used only at home, which accounts for your findings of relative simplicity.
It may be old news to you, but if you're interested in more info about Keller, you could check out my write-up of a visit with him in February 2004.
Hi David. Even better, there are still a few bottles left - I will have to go and get me some. I realized this was his entry level, but we even stock a few of his better products, so I might go and try those as well. Thanks for the link!
Looks like you put a fur coat on this bottle.
Quit your day job and become a blogger photographer.
Hi Marcus - I didn't notice the fur coat semblance. If only a photographer could afford to keep me in the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed...
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