WTN: 2 x Bloody Brilliant Biffar (Pfalz)
Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:02 pm
Mid-summer partying continues with a few interesting pseudo-old Pfalz Rieslings (I've not seen many older ones around). Both were really nice!
- 1996 Josef Biffar Deidesheimer Grainhübel Riesling Spätlese Trocken - Germany, Pfalz (6/25/2006)
AP 5 106 026 013 97, 12,5% abv. An inauscpicious start: the level was significantly lower than the 98's - mechanical cork failure. I also got scared when I removed the capsule and I got a scent of Madeira. But Rieslings are hardy wines. The wine inside was vibrantly alive. A deep golden colour (not a good sign I suppose in such a young wine, but didn't matter here). The nose was lovely: strawberries covered in chalk and stone dust. The palate was fully dry, but with assertive fruit, high in acidity and lovely Riesling "bitterness" - a powerful wine, very much in the Austria/Alsace mode. But the best part was the very intense, acid driven and long aftertaste with its pronounced minerality. Lovely! - 1998 Josef Biffar Deidesheimer Grainhübel Riesling Spätlese Trocken - Germany, Pfalz (6/25/2006)
AP 5 106 026 013 99, 13% abv. Gold. The nose is true to the grape but does have a funny spearmint smell to it and dried apple also. A faint hint of petrol is developing. The nose is fruity and powerful with a touch of minerals - like Austrian or Alsatian Rieslings. The palate is also powerful and has a pronounced note of strawberry and the 13% abv is a little noticable, but the fine acidity, intensity, and minerality make this a thoroughly enjoyable drink. Very nice!