This is a world away from the frankly sweet Mosel Spätlese. Instead, it begins with intense lemon and herbal character. The rather dry palate follows with a challenging acidity. Quite a tart, but mineral finish. Drink or hold. - J.S.
Honeyed chamomile tea and orange blossom notes frame the core of pear and quince flavors in this sleek, mouthwatering version. Shows good intensity and refreshing minerality on the long finish... –AZ
HOT WINE; Wafts of slate, petrol and brine on the nose are a lovely entry point for this bone dry, racy white. The minerally profile underscores notes of crunchy nectarine and kiwi fruit, cherry blossom, pink grapefruit pith and fresh thyme. It's firm and linear, a graceful version exhibiting seamless knit and definition...—A.N.
Flavors of ripe red cherry and plum are lively and primary, framed by firm ferrous tannins that are just beginning to soften... -S.J.
Medium bodied and spicy, with ripe tannins and hints of licorice in the lively cherry flavors, this is approachable now... -S.J.
A big-boned red, with winey black currant and steeped plum that are rich and weighty, yet nicely framed by firming tannins and flecked with dried rosemary, aniseed and black tea. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah... -K.B.
A dark, brooding wine, this opens up to reveal a lovely mix of rich steeped plum and bitter cherry interwoven with cracked pepper, incense and black tea, with a note of toasted sandalwood. Shows some grip on the finish, which keeps this dry and clean. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault... -K.B.
This has aromas of peaches, apricots, mango stones and salted lemons. Fruity and fresh, with a medium body, creamy texture and refreshing finish. From old vines of alvarinho. -J.S.
This has a pretty nose of peaches, green apples, lemons, honeysuckle and crushed stone. Fresh and crisp, with a medium body and refreshing, mineral and textured finish. -J.S.
A mouthwatering, light-bodied white, with lively tangerine and passion fruit notes accented by ruby red grapefruit zest and salty minerality. Floral finish...—A.N.
A polished red, with black cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors matched to a refined, well-integrated structure. Features fine balance, freshness and details of mineral and spices. The lingering finish echoes the fruit... —B.S.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: As delicate and spry as a silken mist, this sweet-style Riesling balances honeyed apricot and peach flavors against a backdrop of intense minerality and acidity. It darts and dances on the tongue yet penetrates deeply, leaving a long lasting impression... A.L.I
The yellow-golden 2006 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese (AP 2107) displays an open and elegant, lovely concentrated bouquet of ultra ripe and cooked apricots as well as peach confiture and some spicy flavors of nutmeg and white pepper. Nevertheless, the grey slate of the Sonnenuhr shines through the concentrated fruit flavors and lifts it up and cools it down a little bit. Very elegant and nobly sweet on the palate, this intense and very elegant BA from hand-selected, nobly rotten berries shows a vibrantly piquant and vivid acidity and a stunning finesse, precision and tension. The fruit is very clear also in the aftertaste, which is full of pineapples, honey and some fruit flavors. Serve it with cheese, or instead of a dessert. (375ml bottles) - S.R.
EDITOR'S CHOICE; Lip-smacking is an inelegant yet apt word to describe the unctuousness of this nectar of honey, saffron and marmalade. It's delightfully rich and creamy, yet gorgeously balanced, seared by a razor's edge of lemon-lime acidity. It's an exceptional wine now, penetrating and persistent, but will surely delight for decades to come. – A.L.I
Lush, unctuous and filled with flavors of lady finger cream, glazed apricot, butterscotch and honey. Hints of taffy and white chocolate linger on the plush and lusciously spiced finish. Stupendously rich and sweet.... – K.M.
The Trimbach family has been making wines in Alsace since 1626. This Riesling has limey aromas with a hint of floral and rubber notes. Tight, dry lime and apple palate, with a pithy character and a touch of exotic fruits. Fresh finish. - J.B.
