What we’ve been drinking index
Sarah Kemp
Publishing Director, Decanter magazine
Prieler Seeberg, Pinot Blanc, Neusiedlersee-Hügelland, Austria 2007
Simply shone in the glass. This Pinot Blanc comes from limestone soil and possesses a delightful lime blossom aroma. The palate has wonderful purity of fruit. Complex and immensely charming.
Tina Gellie
Acting Assistant Editor, Decanter magazine
Les Domaines de Vinsmoselle, Selection Coteaux de Schengen Auxerrois Grand Premier Cru, Luxembourg 2006
A gift from a Luxembourg friend, this off-dry Auxerrois (a sister of Chardonnay) was picked from the slopes surrounding Schengen, where the historic EU agreement was signed in 1995. It’s not complex, but the white peach flavour, mineral acidity, light alcohol (12%) and hint of sweetness made a tasty, aromatic alternative to a more expensive Riesling and a perfect partner for a mid-week Chinese chicken stir-fry.
Amy Wislocki
Managing Editor, Decanter magazine
Felsner Hesperia Rosé Austria 2007
It’s not quite rosé season yet, but this one stood out for me at a recent Wines of Austria tasting – one of just a handful of rosés that were on show; and, quite frankly, why wait for summer? Austrian wines generally are delicious – if you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend you start with the peppery, fresh Grüner-Veltliner white. I digress. This is a delicate rosé, refreshingly low in alcohol (11.6%), refreshingly dry (less than 2g residual sugar) and, well, refreshing. Fragrant red curranty fruit, good acidity and a long, crisp finish. For those who want to know, it’s 60% St Laurent / 40% Zweigelt – don’t let it put you off if you’ve never heard of the grapes.
Adam Lechmere
Editor, decanter.com
Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River 2005
From the impressive Western Australian producer, this is a delicate, peppery mouthful. Wonderful velvety tannins and a very elegant, linear structure, with lots of blackcurrant, brambly fruit. A delicious wine, and testament to how fine cool climate reds from Australia can be.
Guy Woodward
Editor, Decanter magazine
Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004
A perfect balance of California’s sunny, ripe, juicy, showy fruit allied to a more classical savoury, silky elegance. The perfect antidote to the wintery elements.
Oliver Styles
Deputy Editor, decanter.com
Castelnau de Suduiraut, Sauternes, 2003 (half bottle)
As unctuous on the nose as it is on the palate. Yes, 2003 wasn’t exactly a classic year for Sauternes, but the wines are not without charm. This second-tier offering from Suduiraut is a real joy to drink with dried fruits, dates and honey on the nose; it has a lovely mouthfeel and sumptuous finish.
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