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WTN: Wet your Willi

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Rahsaan

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WTN: Wet your Willi

by Rahsaan » Sat Jul 07, 2018 5:25 pm

Out of practice with the pradikat wines, so why not get a few Willi Schaefer bottles and enjoy the style.

First taste of the new vintage with 2017 Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett and I can see why people have mixed/cautious feelings. Pale mild sour fresh young wine that gets a bit more interesting and racy energetic overnight, but still shows soft and simple in the middle, even for a kabinett. Just one bottle so I'm more than willing to give the benefit of the doubt and assume this will offer certain kinds of pleasure. But it didn't pique my interest for now.

On the other hand, 2016 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Spätlese #5 is the definition of impressive. Sweet rich round and dense, but with a fine acid structure and lots of fresh herbal flavors that help it straddle boundaries. After 24h it shows even more complex, so much going on, great balance, with plenty in reserve. Fun now but would love to taste this as it evolves.

The 2016 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Spätlese #10 is more open about its charms. The long long strands of firm lacey lace glide across the palate and are impossible not to enjoy. Not as dense or rich as the #5, but still with plenty of material for the frame. Damned delicious!
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by David M. Bueker » Sat Jul 07, 2018 5:33 pm

Nice notes.

I sampled some very nice 2017s last month, but did not get bowled over by the vintage.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by David M. Bueker » Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:24 pm

It’s also worth noting that 2017s have only been in bottle for a few months. September is likely a better time to check in. That gives the wines 5-6 month’s of rest in bottle.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by Rahsaan » Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:34 pm

David M. Bueker wrote:It’s also worth noting that 2017s have only been in bottle for a few months. September is likely a better time to check in. That gives the wines 5-6 month’s of rest in bottle.


Yes, I posted a note elsewhere and John from CSW noted that my 17 GH was probably showing weird because - in general - there is a lot of declassification, botrytis, and heavy wines. (Not at all how this one single bottle showed)

I often find that this time of year the new vintage German wines can show so fresh and vibrant, especially when drunk here in Germany. And in previous years I have gotten lots of pleasure at this stage, but of course that does not mean things will always be that way!
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by David M. Bueker » Sun Jul 08, 2018 3:38 pm

Declassification, botrytis and heavy wines?

That's not at all what I tasted when I sampled through the Theise portfolio in June. Bottle shocked, yes, but not heavy and botrytis laden.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by Rahsaan » Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:38 pm

Not sure what to say. I haven't read much about the vintage although I know the yields were low and I think even TT mentioned in his write up the presence of botrytis and that wines tended to be concentrated? Although obviously he is going to get a selected sample of wines.

FWIW, this was the other thread

http://winedisorder.com/comment/56/9391/
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by David M. Bueker » Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:41 pm

Yeah, I read it, despite my banishment.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by Rahsaan » Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:48 pm

David M. Bueker wrote:Yeah, I read it, despite my banishment.


Banishment!? I know you didn't see eye to eye (diplomatic phrasing) with Dressner, but he's gone from the scene.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by David M. Bueker » Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:58 pm

Nothing has changed with my status.

It's no great loss.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by Bob Parsons Alberta » Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:37 am

Joy! A case of the 2017 W Schaefer Graacher Domprobst R Kab has shown up here in C AB. Also 6 bottles of the Spatlese just for starter as I am told. Had one of the Spats at the staff Xmas do!

Rahsaan...is the No 5 derived from the AP number. Mine is No 3...03 18. Thanks.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by David M. Bueker » Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:38 am

Bob - the "number 5" is based on the AP number. It's a specific cask that always has an older vine parcel placed in it.
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Re: WTN: Wet your Willi

by Bob Parsons Alberta » Thu Jan 17, 2019 3:06 pm

OK David, many thanks.

Bob

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