2007 Glatzer Carnuntum Grüner Veltliner (Carnuntum, Niederösterreich, Austria) 12.5%, screwcap closure - imported to USA by Terry Theise Estate Selection, Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, New York – smell tart rhubarb and vegetables, very fresh, mouthfeel embedded spritz, touch of cream, taste, tartness/freshness, rhubarb, granny smith apple, almost crispy—whether mineral or vegetal, mighty decent pair with spicy, lively, and mighty tasty curry of kaen massaman kap manwan, tao hoo tod leh tua lisong (massaman curry with sweet potato, fried tofu squares, and peanuts) with the spiciness and vibrancy of the curry (which nicely combined the hotness of dried new mexico chilies, the toastiness of coriander, cumin, cardamom and the like, and the sweet texture of coconut milk) the wine tasted vibrant, light, and almost airy, still tangily mineral on day two, a nice wine, if perhaps not quite swinging for me at its price of nearly $16.
2004 Dominio de la Vega Utiel-Requena Madurado en Barrica [blend of predominantly Bobal with Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon] (Utiel-Requena DO, Valencia, eastern central Spain) cork closure, 13.5% - imported to USA by Jose Pastor Selection/Vinos & Gourmet, Richmond, California – my first bobal – smell huge wafting out of glass, floral paint, very rich fruit without a lot of sweetness, fresh fields of hay, taste lively dollop of fading acid upfront, rich, somewhat rounded but spicy and thinner than it first seems like, red fruit herb fest (Now with Spice!), lively and fun and a great match for some thin crust pizza from Zachary's with my normal topping of mushrooms, artichokes, and pepperoni, on day two the wine is mellower and more subtle, and lovely oh-so lovely, this wine is impressive stuff, setting expectations and then exceeding them when I wasn't paying attention, for $13, that's head turning stuff.
N.V. Emilio Lustau (Almacenista) Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Oloroso Pata del Gallina 1/38 Jarana (Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO, Andalucía, southern Spain) by the glass at César – smell heavy/heavy lurking nose, raisins/nuts/depth, taste however is bright, velvety, and spicy, tastes kind of like rancid tamarind, initially seemed of interest, but wore poorly for me, unpleasant—feels worn out. Meh.