WTN: A 1975 German Eiswein - Not an especially grand one

Bought recently from an always interesting source

1975 Niederthäler Hof Wallhauser Pfarrgarten Silvaner Eiswein - Germany, Pfalz (7/4/2008)
A blend of Silvaner and Scheurebe, according to the label an Auslese level Eiswein.

A golden colour, bright but nothing more, with faint thinning at the rim

Apricot and honey with petrol hints on the nose. On swirling strong nutty aromas emerge.

On the palate it's weighty but not thick with peach/apricot to the fore and the acidity gives it a nice sharp lime accented lift, which on receding, leaves a subtle lingering honeyed finish.

Very enjoyable and though far from a great wine, it offered very good value. I'm certainly happy to hunt down Scheurebe based wines and in warmer years seem to do very nicely.

[David M. Bueker]

I am really surprised that a Silvaner/Scheurebe blend would still be good at age 33. Neither grape has any grand claims of longevity (especially Scheurebe).

I am really surprised that a Silvaner/Scheurebe blend would still be good at age 33. Neither grape has any grand claims of longevity (especially Scheurebe).

David
Oddly I had an older Scheurebe a couple of years ago, that helped me pluck up the courage to get this. I think that was from 1976, so for me at least, wine from Scheurebe grapes can retain charm in old age.

... and I forgot to mention - this from a half bottle and a partially nibbled cork.

regards

Ian

Niederthäler Hof belonged at that already to Pieroth and their great period was already then far behind them ... Maybe this explains partially that.

Please remember also that up to 1976 (I think), Eiswein was not a Prädikat level but a style denomination: this means that you could have Auslese Eiswein, BA Eiswein or TBA Eiswein. I am surprised that nothing seemed to have been written on your label but from your description, I suspect it to be an Auslese Eiswein.

Silvaner can age extremely well - Castell Hohnart Silvaner 67 is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted and the Castell Schlossberg Silvaner BA has been singled out by Egon Müller as one of his favourite wines.

Scheurebe can also age well - I had Castell Hohnart Scheurebe 79 recently and it was very good - extremely fresh and elegant. Also a Weingut am Lump Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spätlese 83 was lively and fresh.

I don't know about other regions, but Scheurebe does indeed very well in comparatively dry and ripe vintages in Franken. It was particularly good in 2000 and 2006

J
Thanks for the background and your thoughts.
Sorry about not making it clear - yes it did have Auslese on the label. I thought Eiswein was in a larger font, but on checking, it was the same size, and yes I think auslese level ripeness seemed about right. Also on checking the label, I noticed I'd missed the 3rd grape off - riesling.
regards
Ian