Trittenheimer

2007 Grans Fassian Riesling Kabinett, Trittenheim (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer), Germany ($11.99 at Lopez Liquors)
This before work treat had delightful acidity that enabled you to keep doing your laundry. A nice amount of residual sugar and low alcohol (8.5% ABV)seemed as subtle as a sip of Sprite. Expect nuances of petrol, lime and other types of deliciousness. This bottle was hidden in the back of the cooler, thus making it the find of the decade--last bottle. Why don't more places have German Riesling?!!

Nero D'avola

2010 Cantine Colosi Nero D'Avola, Sicily, Italy ($12.99 at Whole Foods)
This wasn't a memorable bottle but we liked it and finished it. We feel that Whole Foods offers higher quality reds than Trader Joe's. I remember not liking it at first, but my palate got adjusted to the wine and it tasted better with every sip. I think I remember it being fairly tannic with sour cherry and wet bark that you'd find in an Italian forest.

Riesling and Cotes du Rhone

2010 Clean Slate Riesling, Mosel, Germany ($11.99 at Lopez Liquors)
It was dry and had flint on the nose. It wasn't super memmorable, but tasted good with the Thai food we were eating at Pacific Thai (on Lighthouse in Pacific Grove, CA). The sweet and spicy flavors paired well with the wine. I would've liked more acid and more residual sugar to keep up with the cuisine.



2007 La Pialade Grenache Blend Cotes du Rhone, France ($60 at Sierra Mar Restaurant)
Imagine dating someone you didn't think was that cool...at first. There were nuances of dead mouse (brettanomyces) and some volatile acidity that was a lot like worsteshire sauce. We thought the wine needed to open up, but it was our palates that did. Once we got adjusted to all it had to offer, we started to appreciate its flaws, layers and mystique. It had nuances of: fennel, cinnamon, and tar. Its color was clear and its modesty added to its complexity.