Pichler Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2005 Durnsteiner Kellerberg

From one of the most respected wine estates in the Wachau region of Osterreich - FX Pichler. Noticed from a recent trip to NYC that there is an increasing trend towards offering Gruner Veltliner on restaurant wine lists in the city. I really like the stuff, because some of the best examples offer up lovely aromas of white flowers, peaches and white pepper. A shame we don't see more Gruner here in Singapore.

T-notes > Golden, copper-tone in color. In the mouth, bursting with complex flavors of cinnamon, white pepper, honey and kiwi fruit, pomelo, pink grapefruit and persimmons. Real verve in the mid-palate with just exquisite length on the finish. A great wine! :D

Bitouzet-Prieur Volnay Les Aussy 1er Cru 2005

The boys at Woodland Hills Wine Company recommended the wines from this relatively unknown tiny producer from Volnay from the fab 2005 vintage. Picked up an assortment of their wines some 2 years ago, but have only recently come round to opening a bottle. Was pleasantly surpised by the quality, so I thought i'd share some tasting notes.

T-notes > Ruby red in color with wonderful aromas of pure red pinot fruit. In the mouth, elegant melange of sweet intense fruit flavors framed by lovely soft tannins. Mid-palate is chock a block full, with nice persistance on the finish. Really liked this quite a bit. Can't wait to get round to opening the Volnay Taillepieds and Volnay Caillerets! :-D