The Happiest Place on Earth is now extra happy for Riesling fans!  Check out all the Disney locations where you can enjoy our Dr. L Riesling:

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

• Carthay Circle Restaurant
• Golden Vine Winery Trattoria
• Ariel’s Grotto

DISNEYLAND

• Club 33

GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL

• Hearthstone
• Storytellers Cafe

DISNEYLAND HOTEL

• Steakhouse 55

PARADISE PIER HOTEL

• Surfside Lounge

Founded in only 1875, Weingut Robert Weil is considered to be one of the Rheingau’s younger wine estates. The estate’s top vineyards—Kiedrich, Turmberg and Kiedrich Gräfenberg—are among the finest sites in the Rheingau.

Robert Weil wines are imported to the United States by Loosen Bros. USA as part of our “Friends of Ernst Loosen” portfolio. The selection includes Robert Weil’s estate wines, single-vineyard wines and noble sweet wines. (See the Loosen Bros. list of Weil wines with details about each wine.)

This month (May 2013), Wine Spectator magazine named two Robert Weil wines to their Top German Wines list:

• Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg TBA (95)
• Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg TBA (94)

Here’s some detail on three more Robert Weil wines, all available through Loosen Bros. USA.

ROBERT WEIL KIEDRICH TURMBERG RIESLING TROCKEN (DRY) 2011
Kiedrich Turmberg (“tower hill”), a separate slope adjacent to the Gräfenberg vineyard, is rated as premier cru. The German wine law of 1971 had incorporated Turmberg into the Gräfenberg, but in 2005 it was reinstated as an individual, classified site. The steep, southwest-facing site has a slate base with a thin topsoil layer composed of stony, gritty phyllite mixed with loess and loam. It produces very fine, elegant wines that are less massive than their counterparts from the Gräfenberg. Turmberg is wholly owned by Weingut Robert Weil. The Turmberg Trocken (dry) is bright and pure, with a lovely herbal tone that is characteristic of this site. It has a finely focused mineral structure and a juicy grip on the palate.

[93] Wine & Spirits (Year’s Best) 

From a steep, craggy 9.4 acre monopole planted to vines since 1109, this is stunning wine. It gives the sense of having great size without any weight; of being fruity without any sweetness. It tastes like a mouthful of rocks and like the air after a rain. There’s a scent of delicate tropical fruits and flowers that lasts with a clarity that carries it for miles. December 2012

[91] Wine Spectator

Juicy and rich, with a light creaminess to the peach, apricot and ripe apple flavors. Notes of pear tart linger on the spicy finish alongside hints of sage and tarragon. March 31,2013

[89] Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Aromas of yellow plum and bay leaf. Succulent passion fruit flavor is given grip and vibrancy by stony minerality. In a full-bodied style, with a nicely spiced finish. Good potential. January/February 2013

ROBERT WEIL KIEDRICH GRÄFENBERG RIESLING TROCKEN ERSTES GEWACHS 2011
The deep to medium-deep stony soil of the Gräfenberg hillside is made up of phyllite interspersed with loess and loam. The Kiedrich Gräfenberg Trocken “Erstes Gewächs” is a perfect specimen of this mineral rich terroir, displaying extremely rich character and complexity. A full-bodied, dry-style wine, it offers a provocative balance of fruit, spice and flintiness. Fermented naturally in large wooden casks, the Kiedrich Gräfenberg Erstes Gewächs has a full, stony fruit aroma. It is weighty and complex on the palate, yet still quite elegant, with extraordinary length to the finish.

The Erstes Gewächs (“first growth”) designation is used only in the Rheingau. Similar to the term Grosses Gewächs used in other German wine regions, it is reserved for the finest dry wine from a classified vineyard. Rigorous quality standards apply, and each Erstes Gewächs candidate has to be tasted and approved by the Rheingau’s governing wine board before it can be released.

[92] Wine & Spirits (Year’s Best)

Like the nearby Turmberg, this site is mostly phyllite, a metamorphic rock that falls between slate and schist. Here, however, the impression is ripe and sunny, the pear flavor as smooth and rich as custard. Minerality turns the flavors toward more herbal registers in the end, tight and mouthwatering. December 2012

[92] Wine Spectator

Rich and complex, with concentrated and well-spiced flavors and ripe peach, pear and dried apricot. Baked pineapple and honey cream notes are prevalent as well. Smoke and hickory notes show on the finish. March 31, 2013

[90] Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Delicate aromas of white peach, lemon oil and acacia blossom. Dense guava fruit complicated by an oyster shell spiciness and a touch of honeysuckle. In spite of its weight this wine dances across the palate. Excellent clarity on the finish. January/February 2013

[★★★★★] Restaurant Wine

First rate dry Riesling from this top Kiedrich estate. It is rich, supple, and ripely flavored; a wine with excellent depth of fruit (peach, apple, pineapple, lemon peel, lily of the valley), a hint of wood character, and a long, full finish. Still quite young; needs aging. December 2012

ROBERT WEIL KIEDRICH GRÄFENBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011

Always stunning, the Spätlese (“late picked”) from Kiedrich Gräfenberg is a massive wine of bewildering depth and complexity, with many layers of gorgeous fruit that unfold on the palate. It is a stately wine with power, harmony and impeccable balance.

The Kiedrich Gräfenberg Spätlese is enormously lush and ripe, but with a firm backbone from the elevated acidity of the vintage. It is massive and complex on the palate with deep, dense layers of fruit and a fine fruit finish that lingers endlessly.

[95] The Tasting Panel

Explosive and bursting with peach, apricot and lime; sweet, lush and juicy with exquisite tension between sugar and acid; honeysuckle, light minerals and stunning balance; long and amazing. November 2012

[93] Wine Spectator

Complex and redolent of tropical fruit flavors, with plenty of guava, mango and ripe pineapple. Offers intense notes of apple and ripe nectarine, all on a broad frame. Rich and creamy on the bright finish, featuring juicy acidity and citrus peel accents. Dec. 31, 2012

[93] Wine & Spirits (Year’s Best)

This is succulent and intense, a compact, powerful punch of sweet lemon-lime flavor. It bursts open like a fireworks display, showering the palate with a sparkling array of fruit and floral flavors, then fades away cleanly. Dynamic and youthful, this is a good candidate for another decade or two in the cellar. December 2012

[92] Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Delicate floral lift to the aromas of yellow plum, quince and vanilla. A honeyed richness develops over the wine’s mineral foundation, providing complexity to go with the brightness. A salty crispness keeps the palate fresh. One of the finest Spätleses of the vintage in the Rheingau. January/February 2013

[★★★★★] Restaurant Wine

Wow! The Gräfenberg—one of the Rheingau’s greatest vineyards—is a remarkable Spätlese, in a full, complex, refined style. It is very concentrated, crisp, and extremely long on the finish, with refined aromas/flavors (white peach, pineapple, linden blossom, lemon peel, honey). Superb quality. December 2012

Join our Loosen Bros. USA Southeast Sales Manager, Sarah Noble, at The Wine Cellar in Huntsville, Alabama for a Riesling brunch featuring Dr. Loosen wines!

Date: Sunday, May 19

Time: 12:30 pm

Where: The Wine Cellar, 2304 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville

Cost: $35.

Reservations: Call The Wine Cellar at 256-489-9463

Join us on the patio to enjoy Dr. Loosen wines paired with a savory, spicy & sweet brunch menu. Sarah will walk you through each of the five wines, while Ashley Ramirez, Owner of Mason Dixon Bakery, explains the five courses.

Here are the wines you’ll be tasting:

NV Dr. L Sparkling Riesling

Robert Weil Trocken

Villa Wolf Rosé

Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Kabinett

Dr. L Eiswein

It’s sure to be a fun-filled afternoon of food, wine and friends!

Sign up soon… only 30 seats available! 

On April 17th Ernie gave a presentation for 65 people at the Kempinski Hotel in Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Lithuania. The event was so popular, they had to use three screens!

THE WINES

Villa Wolf Pinot Gris 2012, Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2011, Dr. L Riesling 2011, Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2011 and Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett 2011.

Hope you enjoy these pics of their trip.

Tadas Abisala, Baltic Wine Manager at SPI Group, translated for Ernie.

On the way to the Kaunas Airport, Erni and Matt too a detour to Trakai Castle for a few minutes. Matt says: “My grandparents were born in Lithuania, so this was quite a special visit for me.”

]]> http://www.drloosen.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3280 0 http://www.drloosen.com/blog/?p=3262 http://www.drloosen.com/blog/?p=3262#comments Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:40:07 +0000 admin http://www.drloosen.com/blog/?p=3262 Winemaker Ernst Loosen and our Export Director Matt Giedraitis just finished up their tour of the Baltic nations this week. On April 16th Ernie gave an evening presentation for 20 people at Rumours Restaurant in Tallinn, Estonia.

THE WINES

Villa Wolf Pinot Gris 2012, Dr. L Dry Riesling 2011, Dr. Loosen Riesling Red Slate 2011, Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2011, Dr. L Riesling 2011, Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2011 and Dr. Loosen Riesling Beerenauslese 2010.

Hope you enjoy these pics of their evening.

Invoke the hoo!

The May 31 issue of Wine Spectator is out with a feature on German Rieslings.

We’re super excited to report that Loosen Bros. USA is the US importer for HALF of the fourteen wines selected for the Top Wines list with Dr. Loosen and our “Friends of Ernst” portfolio winemakers!

And, for a little more hoo invocation, our Dr. L Riesling made the Top Values list, along with our joint venture partner Chateau Ste. Michelle! Here’s the list, with links to the Loosen Bros. USA website, where you can learn more about them. (Note: Fritz Haag is a new addition and not yet on the website. For more info, please visit the Fritz Haag site.

TOP WINES

Fritz Haag Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Mosel Brauneberger Juffer 2011 (95 points) — “Big and rich, with open-knit flavors of ripe peach, apricot and jellied citrus that show notes of allspice and nutmeg. Complex and elegant.”

Fritz Haag Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Mosel Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr #12 2011 (95 points) — “Lush, with concentrated flavors of glazed apricot, ripe peach, honey cream and spice. Silky mid palate, with a vibrant finish.”

Fritz Haag Riesling Auslese Long Gold Cap Mosel Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr #15 2011 (95 points) — “Sweet, with an intense creaminess to the mouthcoating peach cobbler and glazed apricot flavors. The finish features coconut milk and spice.”

C. Von Schubert Riesling Auslese Mosel Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg 87 2011 (95 points) — “Rich and well-crafted with glazed apricot, ripe red peach and candied ginger flavors. Notes of ruby grapefruit provide a lively accent.”

Robert Weil Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Rheingau Kiedrich Gräfenberg 2011 (95 points) — “Honeyed aromas and flavors, with dried pear and pineapple, marzipan and coffee bean. The finish displays caramel and chocolate notes.”

Dr. Loosen Riesling Spätlese Mosel Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2011 (94 points) — “Intense aromas and flavors of peach studel and apple pie, with custard and gooseberry. A powerful style, with a vibrant finish.”

Robert Weil Riesling Beerenauslese Rheingau Kiedrich Gräfenberg 2011 (94 points) — “Supple, with coconut milk and ripe Meyer lemon flavors giving plenty of lift. A light juiciness is joined by hints of almond and butterscotch.”

TOP VALUES

Dr. Loosen Riesling QbA Mosel Dr. L 2011 (89 points) — “Delivers berry, currant and cherry flavors, with touches of richness.”

Chateau Ste. Michelle-Dr. Loosen Riesling QbA Pfalz Saint M 2011 (88 points) — “Fresh and juicy, with floral notes to flavors of white plum and berry.”

Be sure to get your copy/subscription to Wine Spectator. The article with the feature, “A Golden Age for German Rieslings” by Kim Marcus is required reading!

This week he’s in Latvia. Here are some pics of him conducting a tasting of Villa Wolf and Dr. Loosen wines for 60 people at the Radisson Blu Ridzene Hotel in Riga.

They tasted the 2012 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris, 2011 Villa Wolf Gewürztraminer, 2011 Villa Wolf Riesling Dry, 2010 Villa Wolf Riesling Trocken, Forster Pechstein, Villa Wolf Riesling Kabinett Wachenheimer,  2011 Dr. Loosen Red Slate Riesling, 2011 Dr. L Riesling, 2012 Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett, and 2011 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese.

A good time was had by all, most especially Ernie, who loves his unofficial job as the Ambassador of Riesling!

Ernst Loosen with Romans Komars

Titled “Heart on his sleeve,” the article, by Lin Weiwen, tells the story of how Ernie took over the family’s 100-year-old ungrafted vines, adopted sustainable growing practices and built the Dr. Loosen brand into the global leader it is today.

Here’s a pdf of the piece, which has lovely photos of the Dr. Loosen estate and vineyards, as well as the newly planted Appassionata vineyard in Newberg, Oregon (USA) part of J. Christopher Wines, Ernie’s joint venture with Oregon winemaker Jay Somers.

Enjoy!

Italian Magazine “Intravino” recently ran an interview with Ernie Loosen. If you speak Italian, you can read the article here. Or, enjoy Ernie’s responses in English, below.

What is your first  memory of being in a winery? 

I grew up at the winery, as the winery was our home!

Which wine not yours would you take to a romantic dinner? 

Red Burgundy

Who would you invite to a dream dinner party?

Frederick the Great, John Cleese and Neil Young.

Which living winemaker/producer do you most admire and why? 

Elio Altare, he is a great guy and very humble with a lot of fantastic winemaking ideas.

If you could take part in a winemaking of the past, which vintage & country would you choose?

I would love to have seen how they produced the great Rieslings at the turn of the century, maybe the 1893 or 1911 vintage in Germany.

What is your greatest fear for the wine world of the future? That we lose focus on traditions and go after trends and that major grape varieties are planted everywhere so that consumers forget where the grapes originated and how they should really taste.

What do you consider your greatest achievement as a wine producer?

Having started in the wine business at a time when the entire German wine industry was dead, and believing in a grape variety that was even more dead, it’s enormously gratifying now, after 25 years, to see Riesling gain back the reputation it deserves, and to know that I played some part in that.

Which unusual food & wine pairing have you discovered lately?

The rising sun in the morning with a bottle of Auslese, was just recommended to me by my nephew who is studying at University. We call this “lifestyle wine pairing.”

Which grape varieties do you consider the most underrated? 

Riesling and Chenin Blanc

If you had a super power to use in your job ,which would be? 

Turning water into wine.

Who’d play you in a film of your life? 

Hugh Grant.

What is your favourite smell in a wine? 

A wine that expresses the typical aroma structure that fits to the grape variety I am drinking.

How do you relax?

With a lot of friends, good food and great bottles of wine.

Tell us a joke about wine. 

Mr. Meier’s doctor said to him “If you keep drinking like this you won’t see old age.”

To which Mr. Meier replied “Great! I always say that wine keeps you young!”

EVA has also been serving our Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett 2011.

This entertaining article in Business Traveler gives a brief review of our Ürziger Würzgarten on one of EVA’s special Hello Kitty-themed jets.

*Special thanks to Dr. Loosen fan Todd Hudson, who took this pic while flying EVA on a recent business trip. If you find our wines on your travels, please send us a pic!