Weingut Gunderloch 2013 Fritz's Riesling - 87pts

Weingut Gunderloch 2013 Fritz's Riesling (Rheinhessen) Germany 

Availability: Widely available in BC
Cost: $15.69
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: June 7th, 2015

Tasting Notes: An aromatic, fruity Riesling designed for the off-dry loving export market with an emphasis on ripe, citrus and orchard fruit aromas and flavours and zesty, mineral-laced acidity. Finishes sweet with lingering spice and lemon-lime notes. Drink now-17.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Henkell and Co N/V Rosé - 85pts

Henkell and Co N/V Rosé (Wiesbaden) Germany

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2015


Tasting Notes: Completing our trilogy of Henkell bubbles (see Trocken and the Dry Riesling), this rosé is an easy-going, mousse-y, sparkling wine with a lively mix of peach skin and strawberry aromas and flavours. A versatile wine that successfully brightens the room and won't put a dent in the pocket book. Finish is short, but pair it with spicy appetizers or tapas and you won't even notice. Drink now.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Henkell and Co N/V Riesling Dry Sekt - 86pts

Henkell and Co N/V Riesling Dry Sekt (Wiesbaden) Germany

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $16.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: March 16th, 2015


Tasting Notes: Differentiates itself from the company's flagship sparkler by being made from 100% Riesling grapes instead of the unnamed, "white blend" that forms the basis of the more popular Trocken label. The result is a slightly more focused off-dry wine with recognizable aged Riesling characters; honeyed apricots, flint and lemon/lime. Finish is a bit short, but, this sparkler goes down easy. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Henkell and Co N/V Trocken - 85pts

Henkell and Co N/V Trocken (Wiesbaden) Germany


Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $15.99 ($8.49 375ml)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: March 15th, 2015


Tasting Notes: Produced in the less-expensive Méthode Charmat or "tank method" where the secondary (bubble producing) fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks instead of directly in the bottle à la Champagne, and using a variety of unnamed, white Germanic varietals, the flagship Henkell Trocken is a balance of its residual sugar, smooth acidity and light, fuzzy bubbles that form the basis of the texture on the palate. Light orchard fruit and lees notes are present and help add depth, though, the palate finishes a bit abruptly. An easy-going, easy-to-drink sparkling wine to be sure.
Drink now.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Clean Slate Winery 2012 Riesling - 86pts

Clean Slate Winery 2012 Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) Germany

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 10.5%
Date Tasted: June 14th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A clean, crisp Riesling from Mosel which finds a nice balance between its sweet and acidic components, creating an easy-drinking, straight-forward, vibrant Riesling. The muted nose of Asian pear and mineral aromas gives way to the mouth-watering, well-balanced palate of apricot, white peach, lemon grass and tangy, lemon zest flavours. Though, complexity is not the focus here, there are nice notes of minerals and spices in the background. Enjoy this wine with seafood or on its own as a refreshing bridge between more challenging wines. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Weingut Geheimer Rat 2009 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling - 86-87pts

Weingut Geheimer Rat 2009 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling (Pfalz) Germany

Availability: Not available in Canada
Cost: $N/A
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 15th, 2011

Tasting Notes: This is a fruity and dry German Riesling not often found in Canada. Intense on the nose with fuzzy peach candy, mandarin orange and river stone aromas. The dry palate starts juicy and bright and then ends with austere characters, biting citrus acidity, an effervescent texture and a steely finish. Enjoy this wine in its youth or hold for 2-3 more years. Drink 2011-14.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Dr. Loosen 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling - 87pts

Dr. Loosen 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett (Graach) Mosel - Germany

Availability: Limited
Cost: $20-25
Alcohol: 7.5%
Date Tasted: January 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, slightly effervescent, single-vineyard Riesling from famed Germany producer Dr. Loosen. Classic petrol, citrus and slate notes abound but the nectar-like sweetness from the expressive fruit is the dominant character. Pair with spicy Asian foods or stinky cheeses. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Loosen Bros 2008 Riesling "Dr L" - 89pts

Loosen Bros 2008 Riesling "Dr L" (Mosel) Germany

Availability: Widely available. BCLDB stores.

Cost: $18.99

Alcohol: 8.5%

Date Tasted: June 13th, 2010

Tasting Notes: An off-dry, food-friendly, crowd-pleasing Riesling from fruit grown in the steep, slate soil vineyards of the Mosel valley by top producer Dr. Loosen (Loosen Bros.). The nose offers aromas of stone fruit, lemon and mango with lively floral notes. The palate offers flavours of Newton apples, Asian pears and minerals with tangy citrus acidity balanced nicely by the sweetness from the concentrated fruit. This is a good quality, medium-bodied wine with a persistent finish that shines when enjoyed with food. Drink now through 2013.
 - Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter