Even though it’s cold here, when spring comes, I get in the mood for white wine (yes, I’m just a Pavlovian dog salivating for white wine; the Vernal Equinox is my celestial conditioned stimulus).

A few weeks ago, I came across a bottle of the 1999 Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling at a local fine wine store.  The 1999 Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling is a library release that was being offered for around $50.

I love Austrian Riesling.  This one comes from the Kamptal DAC.  Gaisberg is an important vineyard located in the Kamp Valley and owned by a winery with a great reputation.

I’ve never had wines from Hirsch and I was excited to taste one with a little bottle age.

Yesterday found me making homemade pizzas for the family.  The aromas emanating from the oven were too enticing.  I thought about the Hirsch Riesling.  Hey, that should go well with homemade pizza.  Sure… why not, I’m sold.

The bouquet of flowers and pears and a touch of petrol were interesting and I was getting ready for a wonderful wine experience.

Maybe I was looking forward to it too much.  Maybe my expectations were too high.  Maybe the wine just sucked.

I was so disappointed.  Aside from the bouquet, there was nothing to this wine.  The mid-palate was hollow and the finish was short.  There was no structure to this wine and it was lacking in complexity.

On initial release, I believe it sold for around $17.  For $17, it’s not bad.  For $50, it’s a rip off.

What a shame.