The 2001s were released just as I was getting seriously into wine, and I didn't know enough to realize that I should have bought a lot more. So when I got an attractive offer for a 2001 recently (from JJ Buckley) I jumped on it. And I am so happy I did!
Weingut P. Licht Bergweiler Erben, Riesling Spatlese, Brauneberger Mandelgraben, Mosel 2001
Excellent, youthful color, medium golden yellow with a hint of green. Awesome nose, such depth and complexity, ripe pear / apple and fresh apricot, with big notes of grapefruit / lemon, all richly honeyed, with a touch of mature fruitcake-like notes, candied fruit, big notes of petrol, all underlaid by abundant notes of slate / mineral, and with a just a touch of savory herbal notes; I’ve never experienced a nose like this before, I am rather blown away. On the palate, extraordinary honeyed apple, the apple having a remarkable sweetness, fleshiness, and acidity (like a good honey crisp), fresh fleshy apricot / plum, a strong note of raspberry, lots of lovely, sweet-tart, fresh citrus (lime, grapefruit, lemon), a hint of lemongrass, and toward the finish, candied / fruitcake notes, all underlaid by deep notes of slate, with a very long finish of citrus, sweet-tart fruit, mineral, petrol, and spice. Full bodied, with a savory, fleshy, sweet-tart, honeyed texture. Captivating. Drinking incredibly young still, I might have guessed blind that it was only 5 - 10 years old. 20 years ahead and I wouldn’t be shocked to find it alive beyond that. Fabulous. Probably the best German Riesling I have ever had. 5 Stars [11/28/18]