A few impressions of wines that I have enjoyed during the last couple weeks:
2007 Riesling Spaetlese, Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreutz (Rheingau), Leitz:
Very light and youthful color, tiny CO2 spritz. Some lime and baby powder on the nose, more lime with guava and other tropical fruits on the palate. Quite full and succulent with a lovely sweet/sour balance. A touch of bitterness on the finish. Great value for $17, probably not a wine for the ages but who cares. 8% abv, screwcap closure.
2006 Papa Luna, DO Calatayud (Spain):
Sort of a Rhonish blend: 75% old vine Garnacha, 20% Syrah, 5% Monastrell. Made by a Scot named Norrel Robertson at a co-op: he is some sort of flying winemaker with an interest in the region. Has all the makings of an object of scorn for the Dressner groupies. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Very dark ruby with just a hint of violet. Dusty cherry, graphite, hint of roses on the nose. Ripe and polished on the palate, somewhat new world but not objectionably so. Various fruits (black cherry, raspberry), bitter orange peel, good length and depth. Apparently sees a bit of oak, but this is not evident.
14% abv, $19.
2008 Monte Novo Godello, Valdesil, Valdeorras (Spain):
A lovely crisp summer white with a hint of spritz. Pale, with a fresh grassy nose. Bracing acidity and minerals with some grassy herbal notes, a hint of licorice. A bit short, but delightful summer drinking (if summer will only come!). Vina Godeval Godello has a bit more depth and richness, but this is the bottom of the Valdesil range at $11.