Older Tasting Notes

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"https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-153925-5"); pageTracker._initData(); pageTracker._trackPageview(); </script>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=314 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Older Tasting Notes</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>THE RATING SYSTEM</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#336600" FACE="Arial" ><B> <A NAME="the_rating_system"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> GermanWineEstates uses a <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>rating system. I have used this for years, and have found it to be simple to understand when looking back through my notes. It is my belief that this is a fair and objective method in determining the quality of a wine.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Note:</B> These tasting notes represent wines that are almost always above average in quality, therefore there will be few wines receiving no <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>marks. GWE is dedicated to provide useful reviews on the best wines from Germany. It is not the intention to fill this website with worthless information. Therefore, the tasting notes found here have been carefully selected from a large number of wines tasted.</div> <bR> <div>          </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="424" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="47"><div> None</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="358"><div> A wine that is average or worse.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="47"><div> ü</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> Good wine with nice balance, flavor and charm.</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="47"><div> üü</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> Very good wine, displaying finesse and wonderful balance.</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="47"><div> üüü</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> Excellent wine with beautiful character and gorgeous finesse.</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="47"><div> üüüü</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> Outstanding. A wine of extraordinary proportion and elegance.</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> ________________________________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="433" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="421"><div> <B>Tasting Notes</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 ><NOBR><div> <B>WEINGUT SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN</B></div> <div> <B>-Rheingau-</B></div> <div> 14 December 2004</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) trocken 2002</B></div> <div> While Germany is the land of white wine where the noble Riesling reigns supreme, it is important not to forget the wonderful red wines that are produced throughout the country. Germany appears to be perfectly suited to Spätburgunder, a varietal which expresses itself magnificently in the cooler climatic viticultural regions of the world, producing wines of scintillating aromas, delicate, silky flavors and superb elegance. It is in Germany that the regal Pinot Noir ranks as the crown prince.</div> <bR> <div> From Schloss Schönborn's prestigious vineyards in the Rheingau comes this lively, elegant and simply delicious Pinot Noir from the 2002 vintage. Dark strawberry in color, with a whiff of delicate Pinot fruit in the bouquet, the wine sings of delicacy and grace on the palate, with hints of licorice and spiced cherry notes in flavor. Refreshingly crisp, bright and soft tannins accentuate the wine's charming character.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Estate Riesling 2003 </B></div> <div> The Estate Riesling 2003 is a spectacular wine with gobs of style and sophistication. With all fruit being produced from the wine estate's own vineyards, some of the Rheingau's most prized parcels, this QbA is always a crowd pleaser because of the wine's overall quality at this price level. Off-dry with wonderful flavors of ginger, orange rind and crushed minerals, the wine just sizzles with its wispy, zippy finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2002</B></div> <div> Big and bold for a Kabinett with excellent ripeness, this delicious wine fills the palate with intriguing flavors of tangerine, orange and spice notes. A slight hint of sun-warmed wet stone in the finish adds to the complexity of this charming wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rüdersheimer Berg Schlossberg Spätlese 2002</B></div> <div> From this precipitously steep vineyard, nestled along the banks of the majestic Rhine River, comes this fabulous Riesling. The soil of the Berg Schlossberg is comprised predominantly of slate and iron ore which provide a strong backbone to this lovely Spätlese, filling it with almost Mosel-like intensity of flavor. With flavors hinting of lemon-lime gum drops and crisp Granny Smith apples, the wine radiates with bright hues of spicy elegance. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rüdersheimer Berg Rottland Auslese 2001</B></div> <div> As challengingly steep as the Rüdersheimer Berg Schlossberg with the same overall soil composition, The Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Auslese 2001 is the absolute pinnacle of quality from the stable of this estate's superb wines from the 2001 vintage. One whiff of this beauty and you know you're in for something special. A burst of tropical fruit essences explode from the glass as one takes a sniff, literarily dazzling the nasal passages with the wine's alluring bouquet. The flavor elevates the sensory enjoyment of this wine, filling the palate with notes of passion fruit, tangerine, mango and papaya. Sublime! <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 64 ><NOBR><div> <B>WEINGUT WWE. DR. H. THANISCH</B></div> <div> <I><B>Erben Thanisch</B></I></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 1 December 2004</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Estate Riesling 2003</B></div> <div> Beautiful nose here with its hints of warmed slate and gun smoke, this delicious wine is full and opulent with textbook ripe apple and wet stone flavor. Yummy. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> Gorgeous flavor of lemon-lime gum drop with a dash of mineral elements in the back. Sleek and refined, this beauty glides along the palate with well-balanced grace and elegance. Charming.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Nice. Full and spicy in the aroma with a hint of ripe, cooked-apple essence, this lovely wine offers suggestions of orange-apple and pulverized stone in flavor, which is long and complex due to the well-integrated acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2003</B></div> <div> Apple pie and cinnamon with a touch of mineral elements in the bouquet, this wonderful wine has perfect fruit/acidity balance. Typical of a great Mosel wine, this complex Auslese is sleek, refined and graceful. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> Wow, this wine is really superb. Incredibly complex, this treat is filled with hints of wood smoke and baked apple in the nose. Flavors abound with intense essences of  lemon zest, vanilla, and Granny Smith apple. The finish is long and complete with an excellent level of crisp, ripe acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Another winner from this fabled estate, this gorgeous Spätlese brims with elegance and finesse with its bright, spritzy, crisp flavor which hints of lemon candy drops. So complex, so brilliant this gem will reward those who have the patience to age this beauty for 5-10 years. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese 2003</B></div> <div> Young, intense with unleashed potential like a school boy ready to run his first race, this monumental wine displays all the characteristics of a winner. Brilliant levels of concentrated flavor along with outstandingly ripe acidity, this treasure displays the perfect balance of fruit/acidity, especially for an Auslese. Magnificent. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese 2003***</B></div> <div> Thanisch at its best. The 2003 vintage wines at this estate are uniformly superb, with this particular wine the most regal of them all. Immense depth and concentration with hints of botrytis, this wine never loses the luster of its brilliance and clarity, like polished marble. This is surely Riesling at its finest.</div> <div> üüü<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >+/</FONT>üüüü</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>JOH. JOS. CHRISTOFFEL</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 11 November 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> Wonderful hints of floral notes and crushed minerals in the bouquet, this light-bodied and delicate Riesling from Christoffel tastes of sun-drenched daffodils with an overlay of lemon/lime zest. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> Persistent favor of ginger and lime rind which is enwrapped with a spicy tang in the back, this lovely wine is ever so slightly more complex than the Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett. This well-crafted Kabinett adds more punch in flavor and displays a longer finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Nice wine here, with plenty of stuffing and firm acidity, the bouquet offers a fine aroma of wet stone and wood smoke, with crisp flavors of green apple, lemon shavings, and vanilla. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Here is an absolutely beautiful wine from this esteemed producer, located in the picturesque village of Ürzig. Very intense with marvelous character, this beauty offers wonderfully spicy mineral and herbal elements of flavor, enhanced by a hint of vanilla bean. The finish is very long, with no shortage of ripe acidity. The 2003 vintage wines from Christoffel are truly exquisite and this beauty is certainly no exception. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2003*</B></div> <div> With a brilliant nose offering wonderful mineral elements and accentuated by a strong whiff of lemon custard, this gorgeous Auslese sings of grace and elegance with its classically beautiful structure, filled with bright and seductive essences of flavor so typical of the Mosel. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2003**</B></div> <div> Very intense and youthful, this wine pulsates with abound energy, like a long distance runner waiting at the starting line, ready to burst forth. With a pungent, slatey mineral essence in the aroma this delicious Riesling offers explosive flavors of herbal, creamy notes which are enhanced by the ripe, pruney hints that can be found at the end. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 ><NOBR><div> <B>WEINGUT SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN</B></div> <div> <B>-Rheingau & Franken-</B></div> <div> 11 November 2004</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Schloss Hallburg Müller-Thurgau  Kabinett trocken 2003</B></div> <div> At 13% alcohol, this delicious wine from the Franken wine district has plenty of power and dry flavor. There is a wonderfully attractive hint of pear both in the nose and flavor of the wine, which is accentuated by invigorating acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Schloss Hallburg Hallburger Schlossberg Silvaner Kabinett trocken 2003</B></div> <div> Wonderfully firm dry flavor with an overtly attractive level of brisk acidity,   enhancing the wine's polished character, this little gem is filled with personality. For the fan of crisp dry white wine with a sparkling glean of peppery, spicy flavor, this is made for you. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Erbacher Marcobrunn "Erstes Gewächs" 2003</B></div> <div> The Erstes Gewächs (Premier Cru) vineyard, the Erbacher Marcobrunn, in a dry style really sings in this vintage with its powerful and full flavor. This wine speaks of baroque splendor, offering extravagant concentration and richly ornate flavors that are empowered by a ravishingly, long finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> This is a beautiful Kabinett which sings of pure, crystalline elegance. With a nose of ripe green fruits the Marcobrunn Kabinett tingles the palate with its flavors of ripe pear, crisp apple and mineral notes. No shortage of acidity, this wine packs a long and exhilarating finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Auslese*** 2003</B></div> <div> Brilliant complexity here with flavors to match, this liquid treasure is simply a spectacular achievement in winemaking. With just a hint of botrytis in the nose, the wine is filled with ripe, raisinous character aligned with an intoxicatingly high level of bright acidity. Sublime. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese 2003</B></div> <div> At 250° Oechsle, this wine simply blows away the minimum ripeness level to qualify for TBA status. It defies description, not allowing the mind to envision the complexity and flavor of this otherworldly tour de force. This monumentally syrupy liquid of gold coats the palate with so much raisinous flavor and death-defying, razor-sharp acidity that it is impossible to comprehend how this is all possible. This is surely the majesty of Riesling dressed in its most noble robe. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+/<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 ><NOBR><div> <B>DOMDECHANT WERNER'SCHES WEINGUT</B></div> <div> <B>-Rheingau-</B></div> <div> 11 November 2004</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Kabinett trocken 2003</B></div> <div> A beauty with stony, minerally flavors combined with hints of yeast, this dry wine has full intense flavor with wonderfully crisp acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Riesling "Classic" 2003</B></div> <div> Excellent effort from Domdechant Werner with 11 grams of sugar, making it an off-dry wine, it has spicy, minerally hints with loads of zippy, crisp, fruity acidity in the back. Nice. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> Loads of fruit flavor in this attractive Rheingau wine, with succulent hints of cranberry, cherry and grapefruit, this charmer packs a wallop of nice acidity in the long finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hochheimer Kirchenstück Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> The 2003 vintage was a superb one for Domdechant Werner. Having met and tasted with Michael Bott, the estate's winemaker, he summed up the vintage as one which produced wonderful grapes due to the optimal weather conditions throughout the summer. With very warm temperatures during the daylight hours combined with cool summer evenings, this provided an ideal environment for grapes of excellent richness and acidity. Mr. Bott also mentioned that vineyards, especially those in Hochheim, which are relatively flat and are capable of retaining water, fared much better than the steeper sites which cannot maintain sufficient moisture to optimally ripen grapes. For these reasons, Domdechant Werner produced wines of spellbinding excellence at the various quality levels of ripeness especially those from it’s parcels in the first-class Hochheim vineyard sites, Domdechaney and Kirchenstück. </div> <bR> <div> The <B>Gault Millau Wine Guide Deutschland 2005</B>, an authoritative German wine publication, said the following of Domdechant Werner, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >"</FONT>We are simply enthusiastic because of the quality of the 2003 wines and can not remember (having tasted) such a homogenous collection. Beginning with the harmonious basic wines up to the excellent Spätlesen and Auslesen from Domdechaney and Kirchenstück, we can recommend practically all wines."</div> <bR> <div> The Hochheimer Kirchenstück Riesling Spätlese 2003 is a gorgeous wine with its juicy lovely flavor which displays hints of ripe apple and walnuts. This rich Spätlese is invigoratingly fresh and fragrant that will develop nicely for many years to come. Patience will be the true reward.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hochheimer Domdechaney Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Another winner from Domdechant Werner, this powerful wine has an earthy, spicy nose with a broadly concentrated flavor which is enhanced by the wine's superbly enticing acidity. Another wine for the cellar, this gem needs time. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>DÖNNHOFF</B></div> <div> <B>-Nahe-</B></div> <div> 1 November 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Estate Riesling 2003</B></div> <div> What is this, an entry level wine from Dönnhoff? Well yes and no. Indeed, this is the Helmut Dönnhoff's most basic wine, the starting point if you will, but with one taste of this beauty, one quickly realizes that there is no such thing as ordinary with this producer. This wine is as complex and complete as one would expect from Dönnhoff, sharing the polish and sophistication of its broad-shouldered big brothers, just slightly slimmer that's all. Without question though, this gorgeous wine stands out in a crowd, displaying classic beauty and sheer grace.</div> <bR> <div> The fruit comes predominantly from the Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg vineyard which is comprised mainly of volcanic soil. This gives the wine its firm backbone and subtly smoky aroma. Because of the ripeness of fruit, hints of candy corn can also be found in the wine's delightful bouquet. Wonderfully crisp and intense, this stunning wine coats the palate with flavors of pear, vanilla bean and Mandarin orange, all supported by a razor-sharp level of bracing acidity. This is a stellar example of Dönnhoff at its best, even at the entry level! <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>KARLSMÜHLE</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 1 October 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Spätlese 2002</B></div> <div> The stable of wines produced by Karlsmühle in the 2002 vintage was one of exceptional quality. The Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett was reviewed at GermanWineEstates last November, with extremely favorable tasting notes (for a full review, please refer to 1 November 2003 of the "Older Tasting Notes" page). It was a wine of wonderful balance overall, accentuating the complexity and composition of the Karlsmühle style in 2002.</div> <bR> <div> So now we have the big brother of the Kabinett this month, the Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Spätlese 2002, with all its finesse and glory. With an additional year in age, this gorgeous Spätlese sings of youth and vigor, exhibiting a bright green-yellow hue in color. The nose of the wine displays mineral notes derived from the slate soil, and is enhanced by a whiff of peach and lime. Seductive in flavor with its taste of sun-ripened tangerines and hints of vanilla bean and wet stone, this charming wine simply dances on the palate. Utterly delicious now, this beauty will age gracefully for many years to come. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN</B></div> <div> <B>-Rheingau-</B></div> <div> 1 September 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Estate Riesling 2002</B></div> <div> The legendary Schloss Schönborn is one of the oldest family-owned wine estates in the world, with the von Schönborn family maintaining ownership since 1349. This aristocratic wine producer is making some of the finest wines in the Rheingau today, with Günter Thies, the estate's charming wine director, providing outstanding expertise in utilizing the winery's vast resources in making wines of extreme balance and harmony while keeping the best attributes of the Rheingau firmly in place.</div> <bR> <div> The Estate Riesling 2002 from Schloss Schönborn is a charming wine with loads of style and sophistication. The quality of grapes used in making this delightfully delicious little QbA, is extremely high with all fruit being sourced from the wine estate's own vineyards, some of the Rheingau's most prized parcels. This "little" wine from this superlative winery is soooo much better than many other producers' wines at higher quality levels AND at higher prices. With an invigoratingly scintillating, off-dry flavor and wonderfully bright, crispy finish, this is total winner. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>SELBACH-OSTER</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 28 July 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken 2003</B></div> <div> Nice balance with a wonderful zippy, crisp acidity that pushes the mineral, lime flavors all the way to the back palate. Lively and invigorating. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> This scrumptious wine really adds zest to your life, with the citrus rind flavor that is packed with a rush of tangy, minerally acidity. Multi-dimensional wine here, with power and precision, yet without weight and cloying viscosity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> Broader and more pungent than the Schlossberg, with a deep and concentrated flavor, that displays the heavier soil composition of the Sonnenuhr vineyard compared to the more slaty soil of the Schlossberg. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> A beauty of a wine that scintillates the taste buds. Here is the perfect expression of the terroir of the Schlossberg, with hints of pulverized slate and lemon zest in the nose and marvelous flavors of ripe apple, green herb potpourri and lime juice. The length of this delicious wine is fine, with just the right amount of backbone in acidity to enliven the finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese* 2003</B></div> <div> This wine fully demonstrates the heat of the 2003 vintage along the Mosel River, with its brisk and warm character, offering wonderfully ripe, succulent, juicy and rich flavor. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2003</B></div> <div> Wow! The nose alone makes one salivate, for the bouquet burns the nostrils with the wine's gorgeously spicy hints of yeast, apple rind and citrus fruit compote. Tangerine, allspice, vanilla and slate stone can be found in the flavor, which is coated with a layer of wonderfully fresh tingling acidity adds harmony to this beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese** 2003</B></div> <div> Utterly intense, which appears to be weightless on the palate, yet intoxicatingly powerful in flavor, this is a brilliant wine sings of elegance and balance. The aroma hints of sun-ripened grapes being warmed by sun-drenched bedrock, while the rich exotic richness of the wine coats the palate with tantalizing, mouth-filling flavor. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese “Schmitt” 2003</B></div> <div> What's all the fuss about here and what the heck is Schmitt? Simple. This is a small parcel and best section of the Schlossberg, normally reaching the highest Oeschle levels in that vineyard. As my friend, Johannes Selbach, so aptly described the Schmitt, “It's like taking the cream out of the milk.”  The fruit was harvested on 19 November, with Oeschle levels at 112°, ripe enough to be classified as a Beerenauslese. The final result is a wine of incredible depth of character with supreme balance and elegance with absolutely no trace of ponderous weight or clumsiness. This gem slides across the palate with laser beam precision that it burns the taste buds. The rich botrytis adds to the complexity of flavor, enhancing the overall majesty of the wine. With its searing acidity, the youthful beauty will captivate the hearts of its tasters for decades to come. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Eiswein 2003</B></div> <div> Breathtaking beauty! Like a gorgeous woman, you just can't get enough, wanting to go back for just one more glance. Just one more. Superb, perfect in every way with its mesmerizing beauty of flavor, tantalizing the taster for another tiny little sip. One sip of this immortal wine is not enough. Just one more. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+/<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>FITZ-RITTER</B></div> <div> <B>-Pfalz-</B></div> <div> 1 July 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Dürkheimer Abtsfronhof Riesling Spätlese halbtrocken 2003 </B></div> <div> The Fitz-Ritter wine estate is located just outside the spa town of Bad Dürkheim, which is nestled among the low, rolling hills which flank the Palatinate forest in the Pfalz wine region. This prestigious estate is run today by Konrad Fitz and his American wife, Alice. Mr. Fritz represents the 8th generation oversee the operations of the winery which was founded over two centuries ago.</div> <bR> <div> As a member of the VDP, the oldest association of leading wine estates in Germany, Fitz-Ritter maintains the highest standards of quality control throughout its operation. The winery adheres to the principal guidelines of the VDP, therefore yield limitation and natural cultivation of the vines is of paramount importance. The final result is fuller-bodied wines with purity and excellent depth of flavor.</div> <bR> <div> The Dürkheimer Abtsfronhof Riesling Spätlese halbtrocken from the 2003 vintage is a shining star amongst the galaxy of other superb wines from this outstanding vintage. Wonderfully scented, this beauty smells of wood smoke and pulverized chalk, burning the nostrils with its beautifully pungent aroma. This full-flavored, dry wine is filled with loads of enticing flavors, hinting of licorice, honeydew melon and a dash of ripe peach. The acidity is brisk and lively, pushing the wine's flavors across the palate like a knife through butter. Extremely intense and invigorating, this is a real beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>DR. FISCHER</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 1 June 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2002</B></div> <div> The historic Dr. Fischer wine estate, located in the picturesque Saar valley, sits at the foot of the world famous Ockfener Bockstein vineyard which lends its name to the winery, the Bocksteinhof. Dr. Fischer produces wines that are fully representative of the Saar, being highly aromatic, vigorously crisp and minerally and a supreme depth of concentration. Those from the wine estate's Ockfener Bockstein are characterized by racy and well-structured fruit.</div> <bR> <div> The Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett from the 2002 vintage is just beginning to show its charm, having been closed in and unevolved for some time. The crystalline sheen to the wine affirms its youth, with its colorless hue as translucent as water. This dazzling beauty now exhibits the verve and intensity that is so unique to Saar wines. With a bouquet of pulverized slate and dried hay, it has an alluring flavor of mineral, lemon and lime zest with hints of ripe pear. It is a charming wine which is utterly inviting, just dancing across the palate with its brilliantly crisp finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>GEORG MOSBACHER</B></div> <div> <B>-Pfalz-</B></div> <div> 1 May 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Riesling Kabinett trocken 2002</B></div> <div> Never heard of this wine estate? Well you will now. This is a superlative producer from the quaint, picturesque village of Forst located in the Pfalz wine region, which happens to be making some of Germany's most thrilling dry wines. The wine estate is located in the Mittelhaardt district of the Pfalz, commonly referred to as the crown jewel of the entire region, with the villages of Forst, Deidesheim and Wachenheim being three of the best wine producing villages of the Mittelhaardt. It is here where Mosbacher's vineyards are located. Mosbacher produces wines of distinct, harmonious breed both in the fruity and dry styles, but I wish to mention the estate's drier wines because of their sheer excellence of character. </div> <bR> <div>  The Mittelhaardt, being one of the warmest regions in Germany, receives intense heat from the sun's rays during the summer months, allowing the Riesling grapes to ripen fully without any dilution of vigorous acidity. The final result is a wine of rich viscosity, full, mouth-watering flavor, and balanced by refined acidity. </div> <bR> <div> Mosbacher's Riesling Kabinett trocken from the 2002 vintage is a superb example of Germany's effort to make Riesling in the drier style. The wine displays more weight and viscosity than one normally finds in German Riesling, as one looks at the legs of the wine gliding slowly down the side of the wine glass. The dry flavor offers hints ripe of pear and mineral notes, touched off by a wisp of lime zest. Powerful and intense, yet refined and elegant, this wine speaks of master craftsmanship in the truest sense of the word. For the fan of dry Riesling, don't miss this beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>DR. PAULY-BERWEILER</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 1 March 2004</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Noble House Riesling 2002</B></div> <div> Made predominantly from grapes that come from Pauly-Bergweiler's own vineyards, this wine is on the dry side with wonderfully intense and bright flavors and plenty of zip in the finish. Charming. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Noble House Riesling 2003</B></div> <div> Nice yeasty nose with hints of crushed apple, this dry wine has loads of rich flavor, offering a touch of spiced apple and lime juice, aligned with lovely, ripe acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2002</B></div> <div> Nice integration of vanilla, apple and slate both in the nose and flavor of this light, delicate wine, making it so pleasurable that one glass is not enough. The colorless wine just slides across the palate with weightless grace. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2003</B></div> <div> A very attractive young wine with a smell of mineral and malted wheat notes, it has slightly more weight than the 2002. This beauty generates a scintillating slatey, mineral flavor derived from soil in which the grapes grow. Nice grip in the back adds to the complexity of this well made wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2002</B></div> <div> This beauty really captures the essence "terroir", the flavor in a wine which is derived from the uniquely specific soil content and microclimate of an individual vineyard. In this case we are referring to the great Graacher Himmelreich, a steep site whose deep soils are awash in weathered gray slate stones. It is this slate-infused soil that gives a wonderful minerally backbone to this beautiful wine, filling it with aromas and flavors of sun-warmed, wet stones. Hints of lemon and green herbs broaden the nose of the wine, while the flavors are accentuated by hints of lime, apple and lemon zest. The bracing acidity adds to the complexity, allowing this lovely wine to develop nicely for many years to come. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese 2002</B></div> <div> This is a monopole vineyard, meaning that Pauly-Bergweiler is its sole owner. It is a great site, nestling just to the east of the Bernkastel's greatest vineyard, the Doctor. The Alte Badstube am Doctorberg, a 4.6 acre vineyard, is appropriately situated on the great hill of Bernkastel, with its southerly exposure, and is covered with Riesling vines that are well over 35 years old. This provides a wine of full and complex flavors with exceptional aging potential. </div> <bR> <div> The 2002 vintage of the Bernkasteler Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese shines as brightly as the North Star, with its incandescent brilliance of flavor. Hints of tangerine and pulverized slate are found in the nose, while the exhilarating flavors offer a panorama of citrus notes and vanilla. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Full throttle style for a Spätlese, this wine appears to be a declassified Auslese with its ripe, exotic flavors, hinting of banana and pear. The wine could use a dash more acidity to really push the flavors forward, making for a more exciting wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese 2003</B></div> <div> Wow! This wine has such a beautiful nose, you can't stop smelling it. Simply outstanding. The flavor? Well, it's just as dynamic the wine's bouquet, with its slate, peach and orange hints, all wrapped up in an explosive burst of tangy acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2002</B></div> <div> A liquid reduction of slate shavings and spiced apple are enhanced by the wine's other intoxicating essences of vanilla, peach and tangerine make for one dazzling wine. Not a wisp of heaviness can be found in this gem, just wonderfully sleek and refined character. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Auslese 2002</B></div> <div> A tremendous wine here, with a mesmerizing nose of gun smoke and apricot, the taste of this beauty offers a spectacle of papaya, mango and other tropical fruits. Seamless in its character, with no trace of heaviness, this is an acrobat of a wine, just dancing on a tightrope.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2003</B></div> <div> This is a fabulous wine with a deep banana, Juicy Fruit Gum nose that exhilarates the senses. The wine's concentration of flavors hinting of crushed rock, pear and melon flatter the palate with such invigorating force that it dazzles the taste buds. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Auslese 2003</B></div> <div> Stupendous concentration both on the nose and in the flavor, without a trace of weight. There are absolutely no hints of botrytis in the nose, just the smell of sun-ripened raisins covered in vanilla custard. Powerful and concentrated in flavor, this wine displays supreme majesty in character with an intense and immortal length of flavor. Crafted with flamboyant levels of ripe acidity this multi-dimensional wine just startles the palate with its lingering finish. Great. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>1 February 2004</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Estate Riesling, Schloss Schönborn 2002 - Rheingau</B></div> <div> Yummy wine here, with loads of style and sophistication. This "little" wine from one of the Rheingau's best wine estates today is soooo much better than many other producers' wines at higher quality levels AND at higher prices. With a charmingly delicious, dry flavor and wonderfully bright, crispy finish, this is total winner. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ungsteiner Bettelhaus Riesling Kabinett, Darting 2002 - Pfalz</B></div> <div> Loads of ripe character both in the bouquet and flavor of this wine, indicative of the 2002 vintage in the Pfalz, with a plethora of sunny days and warm temperatures. Most assuredly this a wine which has been declassified, providing sweet juicy fruit notes in the aroma and a full, rich and mouth-coating wine filled with flavors of sun-ripe oranges and vanilla custard. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Niersteiner Paterberg Riesling Spätlese,  J.&H.A. Strub 2002 - Rheinhessen</B></div> <div> Walter Strub does it again! We have another winner. What is so appealing about the wine is the overall intensity of character, displaying hints of ripeness aligned with a forceful element of minerality. The wet-stone, smoky notes can be found both in the nose and the flavor of this gem, intensified by the wine's dynamic wisp of invigorating acidity. For the fans who like Mosel-like mineral expression turned up a notch with a dollop of more brute power, this wine is for you. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Groskarlbacher Osterberg Riesling Spätlese, Lingenfelder 2002 - </B></div> <div> <B>Pfalz</B></div> <div> The Lingenfelder wine estate is located in the small community of Grosskarlbach in the in the north east of the sunny Pfalz, the warmest and driest region of Germany. The Pfalz wine region lies in the foothills east of the Haardt Mountains which offer protection from prevailing westerly weather and create the sunny conditions ideal for growing grapes. This southwestern region of Germany, adjacent to France, enjoys 1800 hours of sunshine a year. With an almost Mediterranean climate it is no surprise that crops other than grapes also flourish including almonds, peaches, apricots, cherries, sweet chestnuts, walnuts, figs, tobacco and many vegetables including asparagus and chicory. </div> <bR> <div> The wine estate currently rests in the hands of Rainer Karl Lingenfelder who took the reins from his father in 1990. Rainer represents the13th generation of Lingenfelders as winegrowers in the Pflaz, dating back to 1520. </div> <bR> <div> Rainer's philosophy in winemaking remains steadfast in family tradition, and in summary he states, "We believe that great wines are created in the vineyard. This is the only way to create great wine. All our vineyard practices aim to create perfect fruit at harvest. We then practice gentle winemaking in the cellar, we intervene as little as possible and let nature take its course. To preserve the maximum complexity and fullness of flavour, we avoid clarifying or stabilizing agents. Our aim is to bottle the Pfalz sunshine and to create wines of distinction that reward repeated tasting, and, we hope, that contribute to your sense of well being."</div> <bR> <div> The Groskarlbacher Osterberg Riesling Spätlese 2002 is a perfect example of the Lingenfelder style, with its pure and refined character. It is a wine whose aroma explodes out of the glass with an enticing note of warmed tropical fruit, while the deliciously crisp flavors dazzle the palate with a rich succulence, hinting of pineapples, melons and sweet, juicy peaches. This is a beauty to enjoy now, but will age well for several more years, adding to the wine's brilliant complexity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Auslese, Georg Albrecht Schneider 2002 -Rheinhessen</B></div> <div> Albrecht Schneider's maxim has always been absolute devotion to his vineyards and wines, while marketing was considered less important. The estate has been owned by the Schneider family for 7 generations, and at vintage time, three generations are at work. 15 hectares in Nierstein belong to the estate, over 40% of which are Riesling. Red sandstone soils are predominant in the best sites which yield rich and flavorful wines. The old underground cellars with wooden casks provide ideal conditions for the traditional production methods. 1995 marked a step forward for the estate, more spacious underground cellars and warehousing facilities having been purchased in Nierstein. </div> <bR> <div> The 2002 vintage at Schneider was as compelling as that of 2001, with scintillating wines, blasting with delicious mouth-filling flavors and coated with superb crisp acidity. The Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Auslese is aptly representative of the Schneider style with its magnificently crafty elegance. enveloping the palate with a smorgasbord of ripe fruit flavors with hints of pear, pineapple, peach and plum. The balance of the wine is well accentuated by the sweet, juicy acidity which allows the flavors to linger on the palate for minutes. One of the best values of 2002 Auslese that you are likely to find. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Auslese, Schloss Schönborn 2001 -Rheingau</B></div> <div> This estate produced wines of outstanding quality in 2001, with the Rüdes-heimer Berg Rottland Riesling Auslese being at the absolute pinnacle of quality. One whiff of this beauty and you know you're in for something special. A burst of tropical fruit essences explode from the glass as one takes a sniff, literarally dazzling the nasal passages with the wine's alluring bouquet. The flavor elevates the sensory enjoyment of this wine, filling the palate with notes of passion fruit, tangerine, mango and papaya. Sublime! <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>1 December 2003</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Würzburger Absleite Silvaner trocken, Bürgerspital zum Hl. Geist 2002 - Franken</B></div> <div> From this great Franken estate comes this dry wine filled with personality. Made from the Silvaner grape, the wine's nose is simple and unsophisticated, yet offers warmth and richness in its aroma. The wine's nice earthy flavors are enhanced by hints of celery all of which are broadened out by a dash of spice notes. Not extremely complex, but a charming little wine nonetheless. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Estate Riesling Classic, Dr. Fischer 2002 - M-S-R</B></div> <div> A wonderful expression of Saar Riesling from the 2002 vintage, this wine delights the palate with its dry mineral expression of flavor, finishing off with a tinge of invigorating acidity. Delightful balance and brimming with character, this lovely wine is a pleasure to drink. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Thanisch 2002 - M-S-R</B></div> <div> Wonderfully refreshing with hints of lemon/lime and slate in the nose and ripe juicy fruit flavor, this wine offers such sweet sensation. This wine is perfect now, but will blossom magnificently with another year or two of aging. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett, Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch - Erben Thanisch 2002 - M-S-R</B></div> <div> The vineyards of the Bernkastel rise majestically behind this fairytale village which sits beside the ambling Mosel River. It is a pretty scene, with half-timbered buildings in various hues of color so quaintly dotting the cobblestone streets, with the steep, slate-covered vineyards providing a thrilling background for this medieval setting. It is fitting that the wines from this romantic village offer the whimsical charm, beauty and shear grace that define Mosel Riesling at its best. Bernkastel wines are special.</div> <bR> <div> Sofia Thanisch-Spier, the delightful and gracious owner of the historic Dr. Thanisch wine estate, has crafted a beauty in the 2002 Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett, radiating the elegance and refinement so often found in the wines from this fabled village. The slate soil of the great Doctor vineyard has worked its magic here, with a whiff of sun-baked wet stones and lemon rind in the bouquet. It is hard to fathom that this wine which is as colorless as water can have such an enthralling bouquet, but leave it to the majesty of the Riesling grape to provide such thrilling aroma. One senses a sweet-sour sensation in the flavor of this beauty, with the ripeness of fruit balanced by the wispy, crispy acidity that tantalizes the palate. Such charm, such finesse, this lovely Riesling sings of purity, refinement and delicacy which the wines from this great wine estate often reveal. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT KARLSMÜHLE</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer</B><B>-</B></div> <div> 1 November 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2002</B></div> <div> The pastoral Ruwer wine district is named after the tiny river which cuts its trail through this charmingly quaint region, eventually flowing into the more majestic Mosel River near the city of Trier. This is a cool is part of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine district, and its grapes need full sun and warmth to provide proper ripeness. When conditions are favorable, the wines of the Ruwer offer some of the most brilliant, seamless flavors that the Riesling grape can offer. The 2002 vintage was especially kind to the producers in the Ruwer valley, and those from Weingut Karlsmühle are ravishing beauties, perhaps the finest collection of wines ever made from this estate.</div> <bR> <div> The Kaseler Nies'chen is a great site, and the wines from this vineyard normally offer sleek, minerally essences with bracing acidity. Karlsmühle's Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2002 is sublime. It provides the usual characteristics found from this exceedingly steep site, but accentuates the complexity and composition because of the adept craftsmanship of Peter Geiben, the wine estate's talented winemaker. In this beauty we see more spice and mineral in the bouquet than usual, with flavors of pear, apple and sun-washed stones. Such wonderful balance this wine has, it is simply a joy to drink. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT DÖNNHOFF</B></div> <div> <B>-Nahe-</B></div> <div> 1 October 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2002</B></div> <div> In the words of Terry Theise, the charmingly witty and celebrated German wine importer, he says of the Dönnhoff wines, "In this humble taster's opinion, these are the greatest Rieslings on earth. No other wine, anywhere, exceeds clarity, polish, complexity and sheer beauty of flavor of this grower's finest wines." No one could summarize the Dönnhoff wines any better.</div> <bR> <div> The 2002 vintage wines from this highly esteemed producer are spell-binding, brilliant, magnificent, with the Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett demonstrating the magical touch of the Dönnhoff style with its grace, elegance and complexity. One whiff of the wine, and your senses catapult into orbit. The wine's gorgeous bouquet tingles the nose with hints of ripe honeydew and cantaloupe melons. The scintillating flavors of peach, honeysuckle, Candy Corn and pulverized stone glide so gracefully over the palate, like swan drifting peacefully on a windless lake. The juicy, mouth-filling flavor is enhanced by its sleek and brisk acidity, creating a wine of magnificent elegance and superb balance. This is a brilliant achievement from an extraordinary artisan of the wine world. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER</B></div> <div> <B>-Nahe-</B></div> <div> 1 September 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Monzinger Frühlingsplätzchen Riesling Kabinett trocken 2002</B></div> <div> Still showing hints of yeast in the nose and flavor, this young dry wine is of excellent structure, displaying elements of mineral and lime that are encapsulated by a touch of crisp invigorating acidity. This is a wine of piquant character. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Monzinger Frühlingsplätzchen Riesling Spätlese trocken 2002</B></div> <div> Brilliant wine here, with its apple, yeasty character, this charming Spätlese has more power and richness than the Kabinett trocken, but stills displays the same wonderful mineral expression. The underlying core of brisk acidity adds to the complexity of this beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spätlese trocken 2002</B></div> <div> Slightly fuller and riper than the Frühlingsplätzchen Riesling Spätlese trocken, this gorgeous wine has a wonderfully deep and penetrating flavor, showing more of an exotic fruit note in the flavor, yet still keeping the balance in perfect harmony. Simple delicious. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spätlese halbtrocken 2002</B></div> <div> Simply gorgeous, with hints of yeast and apple rind in the aroma, the wine's flavors offer hints of lemon, Red Delicious apple and crushed stone. Wow what a beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spätlese 2002</B></div> <div> Similar to the Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spätlese halbtrocken 2002, but with a more exotic ripe fruit note, this wine provides hints of peach, lime and strawberry are added to the apple-mineral flavor which is warmingly stimulated by the rapier-like acidity. This wine simply oozes seductive flavor and sophistication. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Auslese 2002</B></div> <div> Every once in a while, one stumbles upon something or someone so wonderfully special that it really defies description. You feel it in your heart, you replay it your brain, just to relive the experience over and over again.  And so it is with Werner and Frank Schönleber, father and son, whom I recently visited at their wine estate, Emrich-Schönleber, located in the village of Monzingen in the Nahe wine district, that I have found within me this special feeling. Werner and Frank are uncommon people, kind and genuine with the gift of bringing you into their hearts. Pure and natural these people are, they speak to you with the passion of life in their souls.</div> <bR> <div> Just like the Schönlebers, the wines from the estate have personalities so genuine, so pure, so special. They sing of unpretentious elegance which captures my heart by the quiet perfection of their style. The wines will captivate you too. So, if you can find them, do not miss the opportunity of buying some of Werner's and Frank's wines as they are some of the finest examples of winemaking in Germany today. </div> <bR> <div> This Auslese is breathtakingly beautiful! Here is the epitome of the great Emrich-Schönleber style: majesty, grace, power and the utmost in elegance. A superb wine, it simply smothers you with unfathomable depth of flavor and concentration which coats the mouth with the wine's enticingly exotic, ripe fruit flavors and intense juicy acidity. This monumental gem will shine forever bright, displaying a brilliance in flavor that few wines ever achieve. A  perfect score, for this wine is truly a masterpiece.   <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>W</B><B>EINGUT VON HÖVEL</B></div> <div> <B>Mosel-Saar-Ruwer</B></div> <div> 14 August 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Scharzhofberg Kabinett 2002</B></div> <div> The Saar Valley excelled in the 2002 vintage. Everything that this cool region needs to produce wines of high quality occurred in 2002, allowing the Riesling grapes to ripen fully, bursting with rich ripe flavors and vigorous acidity.</div> <bR> <div> Eberhard von Kunow, the charmingly energetic and witty owner of Weingut von Hövel, fashioned his magic on this beautiful Kabinett from the great Scharzhoberg vineyard. In appearance, the wine displays the transparency of water - crystal clear and colorless. The aroma offers hints of crushed mineral and lemonade, while the wispy flavors of lemon zest and apple rind intriguingly capture the palate. Succulent ripe acidity adds to the complexity of this gorgeous wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Scharzhofberg Spätlese 2002</B></div> <div> Rich and spicy notes, with scintillating hints of peach, ginger and cinnamon, this lovely Saar wine is so enticing and delicious. Mouthwateringly flavorful, it snaps with crisp acidity in is long finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Scharzhofberg Auslese 1999 </B></div> <div> A wonderful nose to this wine, with hints of cream and vanilla, it begs for you to take a quick sip. With flavors of vanilla custard and nutmeg, this sleek refined wine finishes with a beautifully tangy edge. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Auslese 1988</B></div> <div> This fourteen year old wine shows remarkable brilliance in color, with its lemon-yellow luster. Still brimming in youthful flavor, it speaks of essences of vanilla, pear and cinnamon, singing of whispy crisp acidity in the background. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>1 July 2003</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Von Schleinitz Slatestone Riesling "Dry" 2001 - M-S-R</B></div> <div> The <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >v</FONT>on Schleinitz wine estate is recognized as one of the top estates in the Mosel region. The high quality of the estate's wines is continuously confirmed by awards and medals received in regional and national as well as international competitions. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Low yields and the use of cultivated yeasts result in well crafted wines which are raised in stainless steel in a modern facility. One can taste the result of professional care and vast experience in these full, nicely balanced Riesling wines with minerally components in the bouquet and vibrant, but fine acidity in the body.</div> <bR> <div> The Slatestone Riesling "Dry" comes from the estate's steeply terraced slate-filled vineyards along the Mosel River, providing perfect conditions to ripen the grapes to full intensity.  Von Schleinitz's beautiful Mosel wine represents all the glories of the fabled 2001 vintage. Lemon zest and Granny Smith apple in the aroma, with undertones of warmed slate, this delicious wine begs you to have one more sniff. With flavors of ripe pear, apple rind and crushed minerals, this gorgeous wine is intensified by its sleek acidity, allowing for a superb, long lasting finish. For fans of dry Riesling, this wine is for you. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>von Hövel Scharzhofberg Auslese 2001-M-S-R-</B></div> <div> The von Hövel wine estate owns about 27.5 acres of vineyards in the Saar Valley, with a production of approximately 5,000 cases. All vineyards are planted to 100% Riesling. The estate's holdings include part of the great Scharzhofberg, one of Germany's most noble vineyards. The steep, slatey Scharzhofberg produces wines of unfathomable raciness and elegance. </div> <div> Von Hövel's Scharzhofberg Auslese from the 2001 vintage is a stellar wine, offering significant complexity with its subtle nuances of crushed mineral and tropical fruit notes both in bouquet and flavor. There is no heaviness or cloying sweetness, rather power and concentration wrapped up in a sleek, refined body. The bright and crisp acidity just adds to the majesty of this beautiful wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>J.&H.A. Strub Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Kabinett 2001-Rheinhessen-</B></div> <div> The vineyards of Nierstein possess some of the greatest attributes found in the entire Rheinhessen wine district. In fact, so famous is the village that it has the distinction of having a special title given to the vineyards that lie within, the great "Roter Hang" or Red Slope. This is due to the soil's composition of weathered stony red slate referred to as "Rotliegende".</div> <bR> <div> The southeast facing Orbel vineyard sits in a side valley off the Rhine River, just to the west of the village of Nierstein. With its shallow, stony soil and perpendicularly steep pitch, the wines from the Orbel tend to be racier and crisper than those from neighboring vineyards. In poor years, the Orbel's wines can be austere and acidic, in great vintages, however, the wines shine as brightly as the summer sun.</div> <bR> <div> Here is another winner from Walter Strub's stable of charming 2001 vintage wines. This beauty has a wonderful bouquet with hints of smoked tangerine and orange rind. Sleek for a Rheinhessen wine, it is light to medium-bodied and sings in flavor with its gorgeous lime sour ball candy, mineral and peach notes. Bracing acidity adds to the complexity of this captivating wine, enticing you to have another sip. Wow, this is so good! <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>24 April 2003</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <I><B>QbA</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Estate Riesling QbA 2001, Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch Erben - M-S-R</B></div> <div> Super value wine from the great 2001 vintage. This little charmer has a wonderful scent of spiced apples and smoked minerals, with off-dry flavors that are smothered by the wine's ripe acidity. The Thanisch estate hit the mark right on with this beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>KABINETT</B></I></div> <div> <B>Burrweiler Schlossgarten Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken 2001, Messmer - Pfalz</B></div> <div> Excellent balance in this off-dry wine from the Pfalz, with a lively bouquet hinting of citrus and dash of chalk, and a juicy, succulent flavor which is so beautifully balanced by an effervescent, zippy and crisp finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2001, Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch Erben - M-S-R</B></div> <div> Bright and brisk wine this wine is with hints of crushed mineral and apple rind. This sleek beauty suggests flavors of lime, slate with an underpinning of sun-ripened peach. Wonderfully refreshing and simply delicious. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bopparder Hamm Feuerlay Riesling Kabinett 2001, Weingart - Mittelrhein </B></div> <div> From the Mittelrhein, often an underappreciated wine region, comes one of the most beautiful renditions of Kabinett wines of the 2001 vintage. This beauty has it all. Almost Mosel-like in bouquet and taste, this gem displays such purity and sleek intensity that it dashes across the palate as if weightless. Purest definition of terroir with its slatey, stony taste, this gorgeous Kabinett has such a profound level of crisp acidity that the flavors seem to last forever on the palate. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Kallstadter Steinacker Riesling Kabinett 2001, Koehler-Ruprecht - Pfalz</B></div> <div> Attractive wine at best here, from Koehler-Ruprecht, which seems to be typical of the Pfalz style with its broad and rich flavor. A little short on the finish, due to the lack of bright acidity, this wine disappears rather quickly on the back palate. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>SPÄTLESE</B></I></div> <div> <B>Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese 2001 Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch Erben - M-S-R</B></div> <div> A most exhilarating bouquet in this wine, offering hints of sun-warmed slate and peach with a superb essence of vanilla, tangerine and baked apple in flavor. With its scintillating level of ripe acidity this wine has incredible balance and extreme complexity. Although too young to fully appreciate the dynamics of this outstanding wine, with time it will fully blossom into the greatness that one would expect from this superb vineyard. Patience will be the great reward. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Westhofener Aulerde Riesling Spätlese 2001 Wittmann - Rheinhessen</B></div> <div> A beauty from the Rheinhessen, offering a smorgasbord of tropical fruit aromas and taste sensations, this wine has the ripeness and viscosity of a declassified Auslese. Peach, tangerine, apricot describe the fruit essences found in the nose and flavor of this Spätlese, while the ripe acidity adds to the complexity of this delicious wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT JOH. JOS. PRÜM</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 1 March 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 1999</B></div> <div> If I were to choose any wine to be stranded with on a desert island, I know what I would pick. My "island" wine would be a Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling from Joh. Jos. Prüm.</div> <bR> <div> The wines from this legendary estate are so profound, that it is difficult to describe their intoxicating beauty and elegance. Dr. Manfred Prüm, the delightful and charismatic owner, is passionate about his style of winemaking. He allows the wines to be made as naturally as possible,  developing slowly in the cellar and giving them wonderful aging potential. This enables the wines to work their magic over time, changing from adolescent awkwardness into a graceful dance of floral scents and ripe fruit flavors. Such are the wines from this great estate, unfathomable depth, supreme elegance, magnificent beauty.</div> <bR> <div> This Auslese from the great Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard displays signs in incredible youth. The color is almost transparent, with a slight tint of lemon yellow. Swirling the wine in a glass shows characteristics of lightness and delicacy, with no trace of cloying richness and viscosity. The taste of this remarkable wine offers a panorama of sweet citrus fruits with a dash of peach and apricot, all of which is surrounded by a vivid, crispy zip of mineral acidity. This is a wine of concentration and superb intensity, yet with an immeasurable amount of exquisite delicacy. This is an "island" wine for sure. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT J. & H.A. STRUB</B></div> <div> <B>-Rheinhessen-</B></div> <div> 1 February 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Spätlese 2000</B></div> <div> Members of the Strub family have been winemakers in Germany's Rheinhessen region since 1710. When the charming Walter Strub assumed proprietorship of the estate in 1985, he made the 11th generation of his family to produce fine Riesling wines of international repute from their vineyards around Nierstein. He and his wife Margit run the winery as a team. </div> <bR> <div> The Hipping Vineyard of Nierstein has a particularly positive micro-climate. The sun exposure is mainly east and south east, providing warmth early in the morning, while the soil retains the heat well into the late afternoon and evening hours. At the same time this exposure protects the vineyard from the frequent west winds. Because of the high mineral content of the soil, the wines coming from this superb vineyard site provides ripe grapes resulting in full bodied, round wines.</div> <bR> <div> Strub's Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Spätlese 2000 is an excellent wine with power and seductive intensity of flavor. The wine displays a rich, luminescent color, showing its youth and ripe viscosity, while the bouquet of smoked herb and red fruits is enhanced by a whiff sweet peach. This juicy Spätlese tastes of ripe lime, peach and mineral, which is accentuated by the wine's invigoratingly crisp acidity. Walter Strub really hit the mark with this charmingly delicious wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT DARTING</B></div> <div> <B>-Pfalz-</B></div> <div> 1 January 2003</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Dürkheimer Spielberg Scheurebe Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> This is a fine estate from the Pfalz where winemaking can be traced within the family back to 1780. Under the excellent direction of Helmut Darting, winemaker and co-owner, the estate's wines represent some of the finest that the Pfalz has to offer, displaying intense varietal character combined with power and succulent richness. The superb Dürkheimer Spielberg Scheurebe Spätlese illustrates the exceptional quality that this wonderful estate in capable of producing.</div> <bR> <div> The Dürkheimer Spielberg is a vineyard that is composed primarily of limestone which is highly suited to Scheurebe. The sun's heat reflects off the rocky soil, allowing the grape to ripen fully which is essential to its overall quality. Unripe, underdeveloped Scheurebe is an unpleasant experience! </div> <bR> <div>  In 2001 conditions were perfect for Scheurebe, and Darting has captured a wine of considerable finesse and superb intensity. One whiff of the wine and one's senses are captivated by its floral and citrus essence. There is a smorgasbord of flavors, offering gooseberry, ripe grapefruit and orange rind that tingles the palate with its clear, crisp acidity in the finish. This is such a pleasure to drink, and for those of you who have never enjoyed a wine made from Scheurebe or if you're a lover of the grape, this wine is for you. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER</B></div> <div> <B>-Nahe-</B></div> <div> 5 December 2002</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Auslese 2001</B></div> <div> The Monzinger Halenberg vineyard is located in the Upper Nahe, not an area necessarily known for the region's best wines. The fame rests further east, where the great vineyards of Schlossböckelheim, Niederhausen and Traisen sit majestically along the Nahe River. Times have changed though, and all for the better. For the tiny, yet trend-setting Emrich-Schönleber wine estate is making some of the most scintillating and complex wines in all of Germany, let alone the Nahe wine district. Werner Schönleber is a soft spoken gentleman who lets his fabulous wines do the talking.</div> <bR> <div> Of all the wines tasted recently, there was no question that Emrich-Schönleber was going to be the wine of the month selection for October. The three wines tasted from this estate were so compelling that the choice was obvious.  But which one of the three tasted really stood out? The Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken was utterly delicious and the Spätlese from the same vineyard was equally as compelling. The Auslese was the winner. It edged out the other two wines by a hair, as it showed the most finesse.</div> <bR> <div> The Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Auslese defies description. This is truly an otherwordly wine, with the balance, grace and complexity that only a true artist can capture. Werner Schönleber has been able to capture all that is great from this vineyard, displaying how it's unique slate soil can add so much flavor and complexity given the right conditions. The color of the wine shows hints of light straw, while the bouquet offers sun-ripened grapes, freshly cut flowers and hints of smoked minerals. There is a generous flavor hinting of botrytis, pineapple, lemon drop candy and a dash of black currant that is harmoniously balanced by the sleek and intense acidity in the finish. This is a truly great Auslese. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT DÖNNHOFF</B></div> <div> <B>-Nahe-</B></div> <div> 25 November 2002</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Estate Riesling 2001</B></div> <div> The fruit of this wine comes from the Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg vineyard which is primarily composed of volcanic soil. This adds a wonderful spicy, smoky element to the flavor of this little beauty. This is a charming and well-balanced wine with a wonderfully crisp finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett 2001</B></div> <div> Delicate for a Dönnhoff wine, though this is no lightweight. It is of Mosel sleekness and refinement, offering soaring minerality of flavor. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> This is a beautifully crafted wine. Sweet, juicy notes of red fruits in the bouquet with a dashing flair of crisp Red Delicious apple spiced with cinnamon in the taste. The bright and crisp acidity pushes the flavors across the palate, allowing for a delightfully long-lasting finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> Firm and powerful with a more exotic note in the aroma than the Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese, this wine scintillates the palate with its smoked mineral essence that is enhanced by its ripe, juicy acidity. Looking for a wine of intense complexity with mouth-searing acidity? Look no further. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> Wow, even broader and juicier than the Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube Riesling Spätlese, this beauty has real mouth-filling flavor. The ripe fruit notes in the wine offer hints of honey and tropical fruit in the bouquet, while the lush flavor  has elements of peach, tangerine and vanilla. Yum, yum. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Niederhäuser Hermannshöle Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> Quite simply, this is one of the greatest wines that I have tasted from the 2001 vintage. A wine of extraordinary proportion, a wine of supreme balance, this is Riesling at it finest. The bouquet captivates the senses by its whiff of smoked black cherry, if you can imagine, together with citrus hints. The succulent, powerful flavor displays characteristics of a fruit compote smothered with exotic spices, providing an invigoratingly crisp and long-lasting finish. Outrageous. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT SELBACH-OSTER</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 24 September 2002</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Riesling Kabinett 2001</B></div> <div> Wow! This wine has a brilliant sleek intensity both in nose and flavor, with a wonderful dash of crisp apple-mineral hints balanced by scintillating acidity. Absolutely delicious. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2001</B></div> <div> Smoked mineral and lemon rind in the nose, with a beautifully crisp and zippy finish, this wine has a wonderfully seductive quality. Sleek and slender in build, this beauty glides gracefully across the palate. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2001</B></div> <div> I happen to LOVE this vineyard. The Selbach-Oster wines from the Zeltinger Schlossberg always seem to display an ethereal whiff of minerality and brilliance that sear across the palate like an eagle soaring gracefully through the sky. Weightless and ethereal, totally captivating. Here is a wine of polished mineral and smoked, wet stone hints that are enwrapped by a coating of  citrus fruit to give the flavor a lift of perfect balance. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> Oh my, another wine from the Schlossberg. Oh boy! The same as the Kabinett above, but with more intoxicating vigor and succulence. Still all mineral and citrus, but with more mass and structure. Simply superb. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> Different from the Schlossberg, although a neighboring vineyard, here we see more of the earthy notes that the Sonnenuhr can display, with more power and succulence, yet maintaining a monumental level of bracing acidity and supreme balance. The superb structure in this wine shows its capability of aging for decades. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese* 2001</B></div> <div> Here is the first wine with evidence of fine botrytis. Wonderfully fresh and raisinous without any heaviness, this wine displays hints of a compote consisting of sultana raisins and cream with a dash of brown sugar. Young but yummy. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2001</B></div> <div> Oh sooo pretty! More dynamic, more texture than the Himmelreich Auslese*, yet still holds a beautiful balance of elegance and breed. There is a wonderful interplay of delicacy and power which creates a delightful synergy of immeasurable balance. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Beerenauslese 2001</B></div> <div> Unfathomable depth, with its hauntingly beautiful flavors of vanilla, caramel and sun-ripened grapes. Bracing acidity pushes these flavors around and through the palate, allowing the taste of this mesmerizing wine to linger for minutes. This is truly a masterpiece. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>10 September 2002</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Silvaner trocken 2001, Bürgerspital zum HL Geist - Franken</B></div> <div> This wine displays a most attractive fruity nose, with hints of daffodil and wet stone. Dry and robust in character, this lovely Franken wine has a wonderful, rich, grapey flavor with a solid backbone of crisp acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Kabinett 2001, Domdechant Werner - Rheingau</B></div> <div> This historic Rheingau estate was founded in 1780, when the father of Dr. Franz Werner, the Domdechant (Dean) of the Cathedral of Mainz, purchased the property. Now in its 7th generation, the estate is under the direction of Dr. Franz Werner Michel. Today, Domdechant Werner is making some of the Rheingau's most distinguished wines, with power and majesty, yet refined and elegant.</div> <bR> <div> The Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Kabinett from the 2001 vintage is a superb achievement from this estate, displaying all that is right when conditions are favorable in the Rheingau. It is a wine of extreme intensity, with a balance of charm and sophistication. Subtle hints of baked apple, weathered stone can be found in the delightful bouquet, while the high-toned, spicy flavor offers wonderful fruity notes of tangerine, lime and strawberry, with a dash of invigorating crispiness in the finish. Drink this beauty now or enjoy it over the next several years. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>8 August 2002</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Slatestone Riesling "Dry"  2000,  Freiherr von Schleinitz - M-S-R</B></div> <div> The Slatestone Riesling "Dry" comes from the estate's steeply terraced vineyards, providing perfect conditions to ripen the grapes to full intensity. The bouquet displays hints of sun-warmed pears and Granny Smith apples, with a crisp and dry flavor of pear, mineral and vanilla. Ripe acidity in the finish adds to the complexity of this delightfully refreshing and juicy wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>JOH. JOS. CHRISTOFFEL</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> -1 August 2001-</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2001</B></div> <div> Pretty wine, here, with hints of apple and lemon/lime flavors. This little beauty has a wonderfully refreshing finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >ü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2001</B></div> <div> Slightly more powerful and succulent than the Erdener Treppchen Kabinett, with a hint of warmed ginger and spice. Superb in the finish, with an intense crispiness. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> This is a wine that epitomizes the Christoffel style. It is a wine of balance, grace and harmony. With its floral bouquet and sleek flavors of orange peel and crushed mineral, the wine's refinement is harmonized by the interplay of the taste and dynamic acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2001</B></div> <div> Simply gorgeous. Typical of the wines that come from the Würzgarten vineyard, it has an immense spicy quality, both in bouquet and in taste. Essences of yeast, mineral and ripe grapes can be found in the nose, while the flavor offers hints of spiced honeydew melon and tangerine. Beautiful. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2001</B></div> <div> Almost whimsical in style, with its fantastic, slender and sleek elegance, this is a wine that captures the imagination with its sheer beauty and grace rather than brute force and vigor. Just a whiff of vanilla and lemon peel can be found both in the aroma and the flavor of the wine. With a stroke of zippy, crisp acidity in the finish, the wine dances across the palate with elegance and polish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese* 2001</B></div> <div> Ever so slightly more complex than the Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese mentioned above. A higher level of ripeness in the grapes provides a wine of more richness and succulence in flavor, and it is with this wine that one can appreciate the slight elevation in quality. Masterful in every way, it is a wine of immense complexity and sophistication. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese** 2001</B></div> <div> Simply one of the greatest wines that I have ever tasted from this estate. Perfect in almost every way, with an intensity and refinement that catapults this wine into another class, perhaps another world! More powerful and exotic than the Auslese*, yet keeping the ballerina-like grace and elegance, this masterpiece simply defies description. Every sip offers a smorgasbord of delicious flavors. Absolutely superb. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>1 July 2002</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2000, Selbach-Oster - M-S-R</B></div> <div> A great winery stands out from the rest its peers when it is capable of producing wines that are of superior quality even when conditions are not very favorable. Whether it is in the vineyards or the artistic talent in the wine cellar, the best producer manages to add more dimension and complexity when nature has been unkind. The 2000 vintage was a difficult one, leading to wines that were somewhat clumsy overall. However, the wines from the great MittelMosel producer, Selbach-Oster, illustrate how vineyard management and technical skill can produce wines of majestry and grace. </div> <bR> <div> The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2000 is a perfect example of this producer's incredible talent. This beautiful Spätlese has a superb nose of sun-drenched lemons and springtime flowers. Brisk flavors of apple and cinnamon are touched off by a strong essence of crushed rock that comes from the slate soil in the Sonnenuhr vineyard. The scintillating flavors slide over the palate with the flair and grace of an Olympic skater gliding across the ice - smooth, delicate and graceful, yet forceful and strong. This exotically perfumed wine is balanced by its crisp and vigorous acidity, adding to its stimulating complexity.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEIN & SEKTGUT HUMMEL</B></div> <div> <B>-Baden-</B></div> <div> 2 June 2002</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Grauburgunder Auslese trocken, Malscher Ölbaum 1999</B></div> <div> <B>- Barrique-</B></div> <div> Wonderfully clean nose with hints of vanilla and orange pekoe tea. Viscous and rich, broad and powerful, this stunning wine captivates the palate with flavors of peach, vanilla kissed by a touch of oak. The succulent finish is very long. This delicious wine is very well balanced and has great appeal. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Spätburgunder Auslese "R" trocken, Malscher Rotsteig 1999</B></div> <div> <B>- Barrique-</B></div> <div> Here is an excellent Pinot Noir from this producer. Such a lovely nose this wine has, with its herbal, olive and cinnamon essence. Excellent balance of rich fruit and spicy elegance, with warm flavors of cardamom, cranberry and Tabasco Sauce, this Spätburgunder has super character. Generous in the finish with a charming and lingering aftertaste, this is a superb wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Cabernet Sauvignon Spätlese, trocken, Malscher Rotsteig 1999 </B></div> <div> <B>-Barrique-</B></div> <div> Full, rich and ripe with a bouquet of blackberry and tobacco, touched off by a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied, this wine has an accent of sweet fruit, with flavors of cedar, clove and bright, succulent blackberry. This wine finishes well with its juicy tannins. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>31 May 2002</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Scharzhoferger Riesling Kabinett, von Kesselstatt 1993 - M-S-R</B></div> <div> A wine from the 1993 vintage that tastes as though it was produced two years ago. A lovely, light gold color, showing only slight hints of its age, yet less of a golden hue than most one year old California Chardonnays. The bouquet displays hints of caramel, honey and vanilla, while the vigorously crisp taste is that of ginger, toffee, orange peel, lime with a hint of cream. All this with an enticingly zippy finish make for a superb nine year old wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Kabinett 2000, Karlsmühle - M-S-R</B></div> <div> Nestled comfortably in a serene, pastoral valley and along the minute Ruwer River sits this utterly charming winery, Weingut Karlsmühle. Under the superb direction of its owner, Peter Geiben, the wines from this estate are certainly some of the most profound produced from the Ruwer, if not all of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine district. Classic in the</div> <div> true sense of the word, the Karlsmühle<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT>wines are sleek and refined with tantalizing character and seductive acidity.</div> <bR> <div> This is one of the most delicious and well-balanced Kabinett wines tasted from the 2000 vintage. There is a remarkable purity throughout, with a perfect balance of dynamic fruit and racy acidity. The wine offers lemon-lime hints in the bouquet, supported by a smoked mineral element. Brisk and enlivening in flavor with a dash of ginger, wet stone and malted corn, this lovely Kabinett finishes with a wonderful whiff of crisp acidity. Several years of bottle age will only add to the complexity of this superb wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>1 May 2002</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett 2000, J & H.A. Strub- Rheinhessen</B></div> <div> This delightful winery has been producing wines in the Rheinhessen since the early 18th century. Under the excellent direction of Walter Strub, the family winery is making some of the Rheinhessen's most exciting wines today. The house style is very stylish in character, with an elegance and spiciness that one would expect from the highly-touted Rheinterrasse. The Strub wines capture your heart and soul with their charming manner.</div> <bR> <div> The Pettenthal is one of the treasures from the village, Nierstein. This steeply sloped vineyard of approximately 80 acres, sits along the Rhine River, collecting intense heat from the sun's rays during the long, hot summer daylight hours. As a result, the wines display intense vigor and power with scintillating acidity.</div> <bR> <div> The Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett displays a wonderful peachy, baked apple bouquet, with an overlay of crushed mineral. The elegant, yet powerful flavor offers hints of lime and lemon zest enhanced by the smoked mineral element leached out from the Pettenthal soil. The flavor is enhanced by crisp acidity, providing a wonderfully invigorating finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>1 April 2002</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Slatestone Riesling "Dry" 1999, Freiherr von Schleinitz - M-S-R</B></div> <div> The wines of this excellent producer from the Lower Mosel, have a purity of flavor and refined richness, which are zippy and crisp, yet full and charming. The von Schleinitz wines always put a smile on my face.</div> <bR> <div> This wine comes from the estate's steeply terraced vineyards which receive optimal sunlight throughout the day, allowing the grapes to fully ripen. The bouquet displays ripe fruit notes of sun-ripened limes and crushed minerals, with a succulent, dry flavor of pear, apple and lemon zest. Wonderfully refreshing with ripe acidity, this delightful wine has excellent balance and definition. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2000, Schloss Schönborn - Rheingau</B></div> <div> The legendary estate, Schloss Schönborn, is making some of the best wines from the Rheingau today. Under the direction of Günther Thies, this producer continues to make wines of extreme balance and harmony, keeping the best attributes of the Rheingau firmly in place.</div> <bR> <div> Schloss Schönborn's Erbacher Marcobrunn from the 2000 vintage is a stunning wine, offering sophistication, elegance and profound complexity. This is Riesling at its finest - scintillating bouquet, whimsical delicacy, forceful penetration of flavor and outstandingly refreshing in the finish. The bouquet displays notes of ginger, yeast, crushed mineral and coriander, while the sublime flavor offers a hint of sun-warmed peaches, chalk, and a dash of mango. With no shortage of crispy acidity, the finish is long and invigorating. This is a superb effort from a marvelous producer. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Kabinett  2000, Weingut Dönnhoff - Nahe</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div> The Dönnhoff wines continue to mesmerize the palate with a smorgasbord of whimsical taste sensations that these liquid treasures defy description. What can one say about this esteemed producer from the Nahe? Simply, that Helmut Dönnhoff is one of the greatest producers of Riesling on the planet.</div> <bR> <div> The Norheimer Dellchen Kabinett exhibits extraordinary balance, harmony and intensity. A whiff of vanilla bean and orange blossom capture the bouquet, while the wine's captivating taste offers hints of peach, banana and orange. Delicate yet firm, everything is balanced perfectly by the ripe acidity. This wine is simply sublime. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 WIDTH="296"><div> <B>WEINGUT MÖNCHOFF</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 30 November 2001</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Estate Riesling QbA 2000</B></div> <div> Delicious, with a wonderfully broad and rich flavor. This little gem packs a lot of finesse for a wine that is a mere QbA. One of the bargains of the vintage from this highly regarded producer from Ürzig. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Astor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2000</B></div> <div> This wine is named after one of the ancestors of the owner of Weingut Mönchoff.</div> <div> A most attractive wine it is. With its spicy and apple essence in the bouquet, the wine offers a pleasurable taste of slate and apple rind that is harmoniously balanced by the zingy tang of sleek acidity. Well-balanced and very pleasing.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2000</B></div> <div> With a dash vanilla bean in the nose combined with a gentle spiciness, adding to the complexity in the aroma, this wine packs a powerful punch with its bold and brash flavor. Exotic elements of ripe fruits add to the multidimensional character, giving the wine superb concentration. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2000</B></div> <div> Hints of sun-drenched daffodils explode from the glass, making this wine such a joy to smell. Crisp and invigorating in flavor with elements of smoldering wet stones and limes make for a wine of immense sophistication and purity that only the Riesling grape can capture.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2000</B></div> <div> Another winner from this fabled vineyard. This is an excellent wine with its powerful stature and rich flavor. In English, the word Würzgarten means "spice garden", and this Auslese certainly lives up to the this translation. Loads of  invigorating spices can be found both in the flavor and in the finish of this gorgeous wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Erdener Prälat Riesling Auslese 2000</B></div> <div> Extremely viscous, almost syrupy in appearance, but ethereal in its delicacy and refinement. The essence of vanilla extract and malted wheat in the aroma give the impression of a wine that is youthful character. With its deliciously ripe, raisinous flavor that is topped off by a dash of vanilla bean, this mouthwatering wine is finished off by scorching acidity that elevates the wine to another level. This is a real beauty. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 ><NOBR><div> <B>WEINGUT DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar-Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 4 September 2001</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Edition Dr.Pauly 2000</B></div> <div> This intriguing white wine is made from the pressed juice of the Pinot Noir grape, a rarity along the Mosel River. It is an excellent little wine with a profile that reminds me of Pinot Blanc. Dry with a crisp, minerally backbone, it has a delightfully spicy finish. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese trocken 2000</B></div> <div> Very Nice. Lemon zest and mineral with a dryish character, this makes for a fabulous wine with food. Wonderfully bright and flavorful. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Kabinett  2000</B></div> <div> Excellent nose of sun-warmed slate and smoke. Very intense flavors of lime, and lemon combine harmoniously with the wine's steely backbone to entice and invigorate the palate. Well-balanced and most enjoyable. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT>+</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese 2000</B></div> <div> Nice, nice, nice. Wow, wow, wow. Powerful and weighty with loads of juicy, fruity flavor this gem is topped off with a delightfully tangy, zippy finish. Succulent, rich and dynamic, this is high quality stuff. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Auslese 2000</B></div> <div> This is a wine of extraordinary proportion: Intoxicating bouquet, super sun-ripened grape flavor, and a razor-like acidity that pierces the palate with its sharp edge. This concentrated elixir will continue to blossom for years to come. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2000</B></div> <div> Bold and ripe, this monumental wine shows exotic fruit notes in the bouquet and taste. Essences of peach, vanilla with hints of orange blossom are found in the nose, while hints of peach custard topped off with caramel sauce can be found in the rich, succulent flavor. This captivating wine is enhanced by a core of super-ripe acidity. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Beerenauslese 1997</B></div> <div> This is an extraordinary achievement from this excellent producer. Four years old and still a baby, this wine shows no signs age. Bright light yellow in color with a nose of sun-warmed raisins drenched in honey. Huge in flavor with hints of butterscotch and vanilla custard, this wine is harmoniously balanced by a superb level of acidity, allowing this jewel to age for years to come. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üüü</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFF33" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFF33" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 48 ><NOBR><div> <B>WEINGUT WWE. DR. H. THANISCH</B></div> <div> <B>-Mosel-Saar Ruwer-</B></div> <div> 28 August 2001</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Wwe. Dr. Thanisch Estate Riesling 2000</B></div> <div> Here is a charming little gem from this esteemed producer. Wonderful yeasty hints in the nose with a touch of apple essence, this delightful wine has excellent flavors of apple and peach. Rich and delicious, it is topped off  with a dryish finish. Super value! <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2000</B></div> <div> Inviting nose of exotic fruits that is carried forward into the flavor of the wine. Big and bold for a Mosel Kabinett, with a taste of super-ripe grapes, this yummy wine packs a powerful punch and doesn't give up. Look for this wine to develop more enticing characteristics over time. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Wingdings" >üü</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese 2000</B></div> <div> This elegant wine has a wonderful bouquet that reminds me of Juicy Fruit gum - sweet, tangy and juicy. Fabulous hints of smoked minerals in the flavor are enhanced by the zippy, fruity notes, which make for a very tasty wine. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="W