WTN: '99 Lytton and 2 Rieslings

[David M. Bueker]

Dinner with friends last night..

2007 Weingut Jakob Schneider Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese
Very rich - more like a botrytis free auslese, but well balanced. Peach, cherry and a lingering back end slate make up an attractive package. Four people made very quick work of this one.

2009 Weingut von Othegraven Kanzemer Altenberg Riesling Kabinett Erste Lage
Brighter and more focused than the Schneider (no shock), with lime accents and a finishing cut that was very refreshing. More to my taste on a warm, humid evening.

1999 Ridge Lytton Springs
Drinking so well now, but with bags of life left. There's still primary berry fruit, merged with some earth and herb tones, and all in a very supple package. This is much too easy to drink.

Nice wines. Those Rieslings sound particularly good in this weather. Did you buy the '09 Schneider Hermannshohle Spatlese, btw? (Liked that even more than the '07 version, which was excellent.)

2009 Weingut von Othegraven Kanzemer Altenberg Riesling Kabinett Erste Lage
Brighter and more focused than the Schneider (no shock), with lime accents and a finishing cut that was very refreshing. More to my taste on a warm, humid evening.

I hadn't been familiar with von Othegraven until Terry started bringing them in with the 2007 vintage. What a wine that kabinett has been! Have you tasted the 2010?

Bill

[David M. Bueker]

@Salil: I did not buy the 2009. Got any left? Would love to try it.

@Bill: I have not tasted the 2010. I own lots of the 2008 which is a stellar wine.

Yup, still have a bottle left (up at Horse Ridge). Maybe this fall?

I have found there is no rush to drink Lytton Springs or Geyserville. Paul Draper's recommended window is quite conservative.

I enjoyed a bottle of the 1999 Lytton Springs a few months ago... I agree, it's great juice. I like my Ridge zins with a bit more mileage, finding the 93-95s in my sweet spot. Older vintages can be compelling too, but aren't as consistent (like many/most 'old' wines)...

[David M. Bueker]

Given the fantastic balance of the '99 Lytton, I can see it drinking well for at least 10-15 more years.