Bernhard Eifel Riesling Spatlese 2005

The way I get over eye surgery…

Yeah, yeah. I know. I had surgery this morning… So!  I ask you then, what is the proper wine to pair with Tylenol? In fact, I asked this exact question just now, of 50+ wine bloggers over on Twitter. The best answer received? Arneis. Decent, refreshing, but not for me. Not now.

Thinking for a moment, I recalled the words of an old friend, Frank Sinatra, who once said “I Did it My Way.”

What I really love about Riesling, is its modesty. Amid today’s market of over-ripe, over-extracted, over-blown wine, it’s easy to find respite amid the restrained, low-alcohol, yet bracingly flavorful richness of a good Riesling. Following this path, I’ve encountered mesmerizing bouquets and flavors that have arrested – all modestly wrapped in wine that left me feeling refreshed, energetic and alive.

Tonight I consulted the wine rack and selected the Bernhard Eifel Riesling Spatlese 2005. An excellent value, purchased at retail from Wine Library for $14.

Surprisingly greenish and faintly golden in color with a lively nose of lime, wet pavement, and citrusy meringue. Full on the palate with creamy vanilla hints reminiscent of Creme Brulee mixed with sweet Clementine, honey and a rich caramelized sugar finish.

Modest opulence with a citrus edge that Sinatra himself would be proud of.  The Chairman would say…  “The record shows I took the blows – And did it my way!”