Sunday Betsy was working, I was in charge of dinner. Decided on "pork chops in a zesty sauce" (Pierre Franey fast food book) with wax beans and red pepper. I was thinking Riesling, and strolled through the Stew Leonard's wine store. Not much there, but saw the 2005 Cousino-Macul "Dona Isadora" Riesling for $7.99. I thought I had just read positive comments by someone I respect on another forum (but can't find with search, maybe it was another Chilean Riesling), so thought "what the hell." The recipe turned out quite spicy, and off-dry Riesling was probably a good match. As to this individual wine, it was indeed off- dry, but the flavor profile reminded me somehow more of Alsace than Germany. Lot of petrol and mineral, fruit of apple, yellow-flesh plums and citrus. Imagine if Trimbach left their base Riesling with just a touch of RS. Not especially long, but quite satisfactory for the price. Chilean Riesling, whoddathunk. B
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.