WTN: 2000 Donnhoff Hermannshohle Spatlese

[David M. Bueker]

2000 Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Nahe (8/29/2017)
I have been holding a 4 bottle horizontal of 2000 Donnhoff spatlese (one each of Hermannshohle, Brucke, Kirschheck and Kupfergrube) since release, and this was the first bottle opened of the set. Peach dusted with spice and a bit of honey shows the age and botrytis of the vintage. Age has toned the sweetness, such that this is a rich feinherb in balance, and so a lovely dinner wine. The peach tones carry through the finish, and linger long after the sip, when a hint of spice kicks in. If I was served it blind I might guess well-aged kabinett from a richer vintage, as it is not a "big" wine in the way of so many modern spatlesen. Laura and I both found it to be delicious, as well as refreshing. It's a great tribute to a superior site and winemaker, triumphing over an indifferent vintage. Do drink this now/soon.

I enjoyed some 2000s (those where acidity wasn't buried in rot), as long as I never drank them side by side with '01s. Glad this held so well.

[David M. Bueker]

Probably matching 2000 and 2001 Brücke side-by-side soon.

Is that going to be a fair fight?!

the '01 has its left arm strapped to side

[David M. Bueker]

Not fair at all. It's part of a Brücke horizontal that I am doing for my blind tasting group. Two "older" vintages, 2000 and 2001, with two slightly younger ones, 2005 and 2007.