Wine of the Day, Nos. 839 & 840

You need a bonus today.

Two Wines of the Day, a white and a red, because we need distractions on this tense but hopefully uneventful day.

Samples for review.

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Well, this was unexpected. The Pflüger Cuvée Biodynamite 2022, from Germany’s Pfalz region is an unconventional blend of 70 percent riesling and 30 percent gewurztraminer, made in stainless steel. The color is very pale straw-gold, and after that, this one wakes up the nose and palate. Wow, the floral nature, the spicy elements, the citrus scents and flavors are overt, daring and beguiling; jasmine and honeysuckle, peach, lychee and grapefruit, hints of dried herbs and baked pear in the background; scintillating in the mouth, with bright acidity and a crystalline limestone quality; sleek and suave in texture, flowing with energy and confidence through to a balanced, elegant and just slightly bitter finish. The 40-hectare estate is certified biodynamic. Drink now through 2026 or ‘27. Excellent. About $30.

Imported by Valckenberg USA, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Grapes for the Adelante Malbec 2022 derive from a single, 78-year-old vineyard that lies at about 3,200 feet elevation in La Consulta, an appellation in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Owner and winemaker Ray Kaufman is well-known for his 23 vintages at the Laurel Glen Vineyard (owned since 2011 by Bettina Sichel). The estate vineyard is farmed on organic principles; the wine ferments by native yeasts; the wine is made in a nicely balanced regimen of 40 percent stainless steel, 40 percent used French oak barrels and 20 percent new barrels.

The color is the rich ruby-purple of imperial robes; the bouquet, well, my wife said that it was like putting your nose into a bunch of violets and roses, to which I would say, yes, all that but add lavender; this element, along with notes of ripe black raspberries and blueberries, graphite and a touch of mint, provides a heady and seductive experience; the wine is robust on the palate, juicy and flavorful, highlighted by spiced and macerated black and blue fruit spun along a line of vibrant acidity and soft, velvety tannins, all leading to a finish tinged with wood-smoke and bare hints of tar and oak. Drink now through 2027 to ‘30. Excellent. About $20, representing Good Value.

Imported by S&R Wines, Sonoma, Calif.

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