Isastegi Sagardo Naturala (Northwest Spain) Very cloudy. Sharp, drying, almost bitter skins and a parched desert of appleness within; this cider could hardly be more opinionated, and I love it for that very quality. White pepper dusts the finish. (7/09)
Casal do Tojo 2007 Terras do Sado Muscat Lisa (Portugal) Fluffy muscat perfume with squirts of lime. Tastes unnatural. Well-chilled, on a hot summer dayOK, sure. But thats about it. (7/09)
Piol 2007 Terra Alta Portal (Catalua) 70% garnacha blanca, 20% sauvignon blanc, 5% viognier, 5% macabeo. Simultaneously fat and wiry, which is quite an achievement, and not an entirely welcome one. Kiwi and melon, perhaps some lemon, some heat on the nose, and a bit of stick to the finish. Not as good as the various reds from this producer. (7/09)
Lustau East India Solera Sherry (Jerez) Not as powerfully sweet as the initial whack of molten brown sugar suggests, perhaps because a thin acidity and faint haze of oxidation combat the syrup. That said, its still a very sweet winea brown sweetness that bridges the shoulder between the leafy decay of fall and the woodsmoke of a winter fireplace. Though to be honest, its less interesting than that. (7/09)
Casal do Tojo 2007 Terras do Sado Muscat Lisa (Portugal) Fluffy muscat perfume with squirts of lime. Tastes unnatural. Well-chilled, on a hot summer dayOK, sure. But thats about it. (7/09)
Piol 2007 Terra Alta Portal (Catalua) 70% garnacha blanca, 20% sauvignon blanc, 5% viognier, 5% macabeo. Simultaneously fat and wiry, which is quite an achievement, and not an entirely welcome one. Kiwi and melon, perhaps some lemon, some heat on the nose, and a bit of stick to the finish. Not as good as the various reds from this producer. (7/09)
Lustau East India Solera Sherry (Jerez) Not as powerfully sweet as the initial whack of molten brown sugar suggests, perhaps because a thin acidity and faint haze of oxidation combat the syrup. That said, its still a very sweet winea brown sweetness that bridges the shoulder between the leafy decay of fall and the woodsmoke of a winter fireplace. Though to be honest, its less interesting than that. (7/09)