Very Mediocre Riesling

I know it has been a while. I am not ignoring my duty, I have just been busy. The wife and I were in Ireland for 2 weeks. I looked for wine, but beer is really their thing. I recommend Kilkenny, but it is not imported to the states.

Wine #16 - 2003 Avia Riesling - Slovenia.

Until I just looked, I didn't realize that this was from Slovenia. But oh well, here goes. The wine had more of a Grigio look and aroma. Upon first taste, you do get a little mix between Riesling and Pinot Grigio. There is more of a citrus and grassy aroma and flavor than most Rieslings I have tried. If you are looking for a sweet wine, there are plenty more I would recommend. To be honest, I am not enjoying this one that much. If you have the chance, choose something else.

Long Layoff

Ok, so it has been over a month. I have changed jobs, bought a house. Closing is actually tomorrow. Also, outdoor soccer has started, which has me playing 3 days per week, plus my one night of indoor. With all that, I haven't had much time to try anything new. I won't lie, I have had a few new bottles, but just didn't get a chance to write something up until I realized I didn't take any notes.

Tonight was a wine night.

Wine #12 - 2003 Washington Hills Riesling - Columbia Valley, WA.

As Rieslings go, this one wasn't as sweet as I am used to. Definitely better the colder it is. It is similar to a Pinot Grigio in initial flavor, with a hint of the sweet aftertaste. You get the grassy, citrus flavors with the hint of apple finish. If Rieslings are too sweet for you usually, this may be a nice option. However, the Columbia Winery and J Lohr versions are still my favorite.

Frankie Says Relax

The wife and I are going to the DC Wine Expo this weekend, which I may or may not have mentioned. I am hoping to taste some new, great wines that I can share with you here. My wife's favorite wine is a Riesling. So, I like to get new ones to see if she can find an absolute favorite. She has one now, but that can always change. This one I nabbed because of the clever name.

Wine #6 - 2003 Relax Riesling - Schmitt Sohne, Germany.

This Riesling is a little different than what I am used to. The first sip I took had relatively no aroma. The usual fruity, sweet flavor of a Riesling was quite short. I am used to a longer finish and a much sweeter taste. After a while, the aroma got a little stronger, and the finish a little longer. It does have a typical apple flavor that many Rieslings have. But I must say, it is a bit drier than most. The initial flavor is not dry, but it dissipates quickly.

In terms of recommendations, it is a tough call. If you like really sweet wines, I would pick a different one. If you want something just a touch sweeter than a Chardonnay, I would go for it.

Cost - $7.65.

Bottom line: Frankie says relax. So have a glass or two and enjoy.