Other wines tasted: 2005 Pinot Gris Kanzlerberg (Sanglier Selections, Oak Park, IL)
2005 Gustave Lorentz Riesling Kanzlerberg
Pale peach color. Subtly aromatic nose offers peach skin, jasmine, ginger, quinine and crushed stone. Juicy, steely and quite dry, even a bit screechy today. This austere riesling lacks flesh but its juiciness suggests it will reward aging.
2005 Gustave Lorentz Riesling Altenberg de Bergheim
Pale, bright yellow. Bracing aromas of citrus pith, minerals, mint and white pepper. Juicy, penetrating and light on its feet; a step up from the Kanzlerberg in its fruit intensity. Very pure, vibrant wine with good stony focus on the back. But this, too, is quite austere today and in need of patience.
2005 Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris Altenberg de Bergheim
Gold-tinged yellow. Complex but somewhat exotic aromas of apricot, honey, flowers, truffle, earth and smoke. Sweet and slightly oily in the mouth, with very ripe flavors of apricot, peach nectar and honey. Less focused and vibrant than the rieslings from this producer. The slightly aggressive finish shows some alcoholic warmth.
2005 Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Altenberg de Bergheim
Pale color. Pure, reticent, varietally true aromas of citrus zest, cinnamon, ginger and rose petal. A supple, slightly oily midweight, with sound acidity giving shape to the smoked meat and spice flavors. The spicy finish offers good energy and lift. With its restrained sweetness, this gewurztraminer should be very food-friendly.
