Jianwai Soho restaurant Café Europa launched its new wine list on September 18 with a by-the-glass tasting. I sipped through eight of the dozen samples before being stopped by the strong arm of reason (translation: I needed to go to a meeting) and my favorite was Alvaro Palacios Petalos 2005 (Spain) with its tight black fruit. Lawson’s Dry Hills Riesling 2005 (New Zealand) will appeal to those who seek a citrus zing, while Meerlust Chardonnay 2006 (South Africa) is nice for those who like oak. I’d previously tried and liked Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Australia).

For those into Parker points, Cafe Europa is offering four wines at a small markup that the American critic has rated 92 or higher:

• Trimbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre 2000 (France), 92 points, RMB630
• J.J. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2004 (Germany), 92points, RMB720
• Santa Rita Triple C 2004 (Chile), 93 points, RMB570
• Torbreck “The Steading: 2005 (Australia), 93 points, RMB630

Café Europa also plans to offer a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from New Zealand to this list in mid-October and I’ll update the posts when they become available.

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