WTN: Last Willi and Testament

[David M. Bueker]

1997 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (8/27/2022)
This bottle is a perfect reminder of why I age German Riesling. All those bits and pieces that we can parse and micro-analyze in young wines have fused into a seamless whole that defies analysis, and just says “here I am.” It’s still gently sweet, and shows some older wine character, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about the essence of Riesling and the essence of the soils where it’s grown.

I agree, it is definitely the integrated acid and fruit in aged German rieslings that really makes them so special. They are special when young too, but don't have that complete integration flavour thing going on: from wonderful components to a wonderful gestalt.