Schlossgut Diel Dorsheimer Goldloch Riesling Spatlese 2012

Date of Tasting: 12 December 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Riesling

Alcohol: 8%

Origin: Nahe, Germany

Appellation: Spatlese

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.schlossgut-diel.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Professional Rating: ST - 93/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: pale straw

Aroma: pineapple, peach, and spices

Palate: Rich medium-full structure. Fine acidity. Refreshing. Sweet ripe tropical fruits. Long and lingering

It was sweeter and denser than vintage 2011 I had in the previous year. So fine, so juicy, and so charming. Mineral did play the main role here but acidity and balance sweetness. It went pretty nicely with spicy and rich food such as Chinese and Thai for me. Superb now and should be nice to see how it develops.

Ristorante Puny @ Portofino, Italy

Cuisine: Italian

Map: Ristorante Puny @ Portofino, Italy

Price: EUR30 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 11 October 2014

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Value for money: 5/10

Services: 5/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Portofino, at Liguria region of Italy, is indeed a dream destination for many travellers. It sure is a busy little village and harbour but can be beautiful and breathtaking during nice weather days. During our trip, we drove to Portofino from Piedmont just to stop by this famous destination. It was only a few hours that we were there but surely enough to get the feel of this place.

During lunch hour, we popped by one of the restaurant that seems to be well-known in the cyber world: Ristorante Puny. We did some research before going and this little does seem to get praised a lot and we did not hesitate to give a try. For location wise, it is sure a guarantee for fantastic spot and view. I believe it would be really romantic for a date night out dinner. Seats are organised at store front to face the harbour. We were lucky to be seated right at the front row as we were the very first to arrive. It was not really a bright weather day but nice enough to dine there. Staffs were rather cold as we felt. Nevertheless, the old man owner did take thing very actively, advising from the back row himself.

Ristorante Puny @ Portofino, Italy

al fresco seats

waterfront view of Portofino

simple basket of bread

For the dish, we had Pappardelle Portofino (8/10) and Pesce al Sale (7/10). Pappardelle Portofino was definitely a very nice tomato based pasta. A really simple looking dish but tasted wonderfully. The creamy texture and rich flavour sauce went fabulously with large pappardelle. Next was Pesce al Sale which is basically baked sea bass with salt. Nothing much fancy here but fresh sea bass baked with salt served with olive oil. Satisfaction was there for me. Fresh fish baked just right with tender texture. The rest was just salty taste on the palate and aroma of olive oil. I do like it.

Well, Ristorante Puny is not a cheap place at all but a good experience al fresco, especially when visiting with your love one. The view is remarkable. Not cheap but I would still say recommendation to anyone who is going to visit Portofino.

Pappardelle Portofino (EUR20)

Pesce al Sale (EUR30)

a lady staff dissembling the fish

Ristorante Puny @ Portofino, Italy
5 Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta
Portofino 16034
Genoa
Italy

Open Hours: daily except Thursday 12:30pm - 02:30pm for lunch and 07:30pm - 10:30pm for dinner

Tel: +39 0185 268 037

Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce 2012

Date of Tasting: 29 December 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://www.walterhanselwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 95/100, AG - 92/100, ST - 92/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: golden yellow

Aroma: perfume of peach, pear, tropical fruits, and flowers

Palate: Buttery, creamy, and concentrated body. Ripe pear with spices and smoky note. Nice acidity and subtle oak. 

Simply said, a fine bottle of Chardonnay that would not break your bank. If the full bodied type with some fruits, spices, and a balance of delicate oak and acidity is what you like, here is an alternative for you. This one would perhaps pair well with white meat dishes or rich flavour fish. I do enjoy this bottle now.