Maximin Grunhauser needs cellaring?

2002 Abstberg Spatlese, not this wine (IMO)...I have been a fan of Von Schubert's wine (what we can get here in Oregon) for many years. I have NEVER had a bad bottle yet. These wines have everything I love, lightness, finesse, full flavors, balanced acidity and superior craftsmanship from vineyard to cellar. This year I have enjoyed many 2002. 2003, 2005 & 2006 Kabinetts and Spatleses from both the Abtsberg and Herrenberg. It doesn't bet much better than this! I just wish I could find one 15 to 20 years old to find out what the buzz is. A 71 or 76 would be incredible to try. I have a 2002 Abtsberg Auslese Fuder 93 I bought a year ago and am eager to enjoy it for what it is. Someone please help me on the nuances and differences of Von Schubert's wines that would make a great wine now even greater in 10 years from now? I am only asking about Von Schubert's wines. Help! that Fuder 93 has my attention.

Thanks
Michael

Someone please help me on the nuances and differences of Von Schubert's wines that would make a great wine now even greater in 10 years from now?

Depends on how you like your wine. There are no absolutes.

As far as von Schubert, I believe traditionally the wines had more sulfur and were not as voluptuous as other German rieslings, so they may not have been as 'attractive' when young to people who liked forward wines.

Glad to hear you enjoyed the 02 Abtsberg spatlese, I was thinking of getting one the other week, but feared that it was closed. Too bad for me.

[David M. Bueker]

One of the singular joys of Riesling is an older Grünhaus. I'm just now drinking my '93 kabinetts & '88 auslese (both Herrenberg). I've had a '76 fuder numbered auslese (back in 2000), and it was one of the greatest wines I had ever tasted.

Please leave a few bottles alone to age at least 15 years. I'm not opening any of my 2001 QbA (!) until at least 2011.

As far as von Schubert, I believe traditionally the wines had more sulfur and were not as voluptuous as other German rieslings

Is that still the case or have things changed?

As far as von Schubert, I believe traditionally the wines had more sulfur and were not as voluptuous as other German rieslings

Is that still the case or have things changed?

I haven't tasted 07, but 05 and 06 were both pretty forward and juicy upon release. I heard rumors from US retailers that this was a conscious decision from the new winemaker to have the wines be more appealing upon release, although there were efforts to preserve the site specificity and not totally become Modern Sluts. I would hardly cite my sources on this as rock solid, so, if anyone else has information it would be greatly appreciated.

[David M. Bueker]

Well they do indeed have a new cellarmaster. And the 2005 and 2006 wines are more accessible, but that's not unusual for either vintage. Let's see what the 2007s have in store.

And accessibility does not preclude ageability. It's not like they started doing malolactic fermentation or something bizarre like that.

And accessibility does not preclude ageability. It's not like they started doing malolactic fermentation or something bizarre like that.

Oh, I agree. Although of course we'll have to wait and see to be sure. But, I was responding to the initial posters' point about why people used to insist on aging Grunhaus and not drinking them while young. Who knows, that may be changing.