Adam 2005 Dhron Hofberg Riesling Reserve

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I forgot the title, but in one of his novels Iain Banks describes a young man at a party who, after indulging in too much alcohol, is sitting on a couch trying to listen to the lyrics of the music that is being played. Although he is trying hard he realizes that he can't make out a single word of what the woman is singing. He starts getting paranoid, fearing that all this booze may have cost him his mind. He did not know that he was listening to the Cocteau Twins.

When I am "listening" to the wines of A.J. Adams I sometimes feel like Iain Banks' character. I smell and taste similarities but the eloquence of these wines is elusive. They seem to speak their own language, harmonious and beautiful, like the language of the Cocteau Twins.

The 2005 Dhron Hofberg Riesling Reserve has compelling aromas of bruised apple, plum and weighty florals. Not those ethereal rose petal scents but rather the fleshy perfume of a tulip. A rich, redolent aroma.

It is slightly off-dry on the palate and has medium(+) acidity, but at the same time has a soft, creamy mouthfeel. Medium intensity of alcohol and medium body. The flavor intensity is pronounced: quince, caramel, spice, licorice and stones. Medium(+) length.

Rustic, not playful. Expressive, concentrated, yet also quite elusive. The aromas and flavors are unusual. Like the lyrics of the Cocteau Twins: beautiful, harmonious but of a different language.