2001 Houge Late Harvest Riesling

2001 Houge Late Harvest Riesling

Hogue's Late Harvest Rieslings tend to be very sweet, often leaning towards ice wines. This one is a good late harvest, with crisp apricot and peach tones and a hint of earthiness. While it was almost cloyingly sweet when purchased in 2002, it's an almost perfect Riesling now that it's reached its peak. The sweetness has mellowed, revealing a delicate honey flavor that plays well with the fruit and spice tones.

Tasting Tags: apricot honey peach spice

2003 Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling

2003 Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling

Excellent off-dry Riseling with apricot and citrus tones. Smooth, lingering finish. Sweet enough to be served with dessert, although suitable for dinner or appetizers. Perfect accompaniment to mild cheeses. I'm looking forward to opening this one at its peak!

Tasting Tags: apricot citrus

2004 Houge Riesling

2004 Houge Riesling

Horrible! Labelled simply as "Riesling," and not to be confused with the Hogue Johannisburg or Late Harvest Rieslings (both of which are very good). Guessing 2004 was a bad year for Hogue. Acidic and tasted more of sawdust than anything else. Avoid this one like the plauge.

2004 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

2004 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

Medium bodied and slightly sweet. Tastes predominately of oak with hints of cherry and currant. Great finish but a little rough around the edges. Fantastic when allowed to breathe for a few hours - really develops the flavor. My preferred table wine.

Tasting Tags: cherry currant oak