2013 Featherstone Red Tail Merlot – Vintages 131540 – $19.95 – ***1/2+ – This is a little lighter than previous vintages of this wine, which is not a bad thing and indicative of the 2013 vintage. There is a touch of roasted herb on the nose but it is swallowed up by bright red cherry and plum. The savory edge is ephemeral… I swear it’s on the palate but as soon as I think I’ve got it it is swallowed by beautiful ripe Red Cherry, Strawberry and Raspberry. This is begging to be paired with stews made with lamb or beef. I’m not asking for winter to come early… but this wine makes me start to think about it.
2013 Dirty Laundry Madam’s Vines Gewurztraminer – Vintages 423228 – $19.95 – **** – I have made no secret of my love of Gewurztraminer. This is textbook Gew — Ginger and Rose petal dominate the nose with a bit of spiciness laced in there as well. When you get the wine in your mouth you get Tangerine and Peach that make way to Lychee and Ginger notes on the finish. The acidity is perfectly balanced but the texture of the finish lingers with a slight oily texture. This straddles a perfect line between Germany and Alsace with style … whether your preference lie more towards one or the other I think this is worth visiting.
