A few weeks back, we had dinner at JBar with some friends (www.janos.com).   I always enjoy the chance to sample some of Janos uniquely accented dishes in a casual atmosphere.  As is turns out three of the four of us ordered the Shrimp Mojo de Ajo. 

Always interested by new wines, we asked the sommelier, Desiree, for ideas.  She shared with us that Janos had a Brooks Riesling 2007 from the Willamette Valley whose claim to fame was that it was poured for President Obama at a dinner recently.  We figured that if was good enough for the President……you know the rest.  We all knew that with the wine originating in Oregon, not expect that steely acidity, citrus fruit and minerality that usually accompanies German and Alsatian Rieslings.  The wine was opened a little before dinner served which offered us the chance to sample it.  The color was light gold, a little darker than its European cousin but it was its aroma and flavor profile that caught all of us off guard.  There was a somewhat hidden nose of lemon and pineapple fruit, unexpectedly soft citrus flavors in the mouth and a hint of petrol.  We had to dig for the aromas, sniffing a few times, giving our nose a break and then sniffing again.  There was a pleasant soft sense of sweetness to the wine along with a hint of acidity.  Overall, the wine almost seemed to be hiding something that it just didn’t want to give up.