2002 Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Nahe Germany. 8.0% alcohol. 375 ml. $38 at Wine Ventures, Tenafly NJ. Terry Theise Estate Selection. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, New York.
Mother's Day dinner with Janet's choice of menu: Donnhoff with broiled trout, green beans and sliced almonds.
Pale gold color, clear hue, incredible aroma of fruit and spice, rich, intense Rielsing flavor, a bit sweet, but absolutely lovely tastes that persisted through a very long and complex finish; medium mouth feel, very good acidity, just enough to perfectly balance the trout. Lovely, lovely wine -- robbing the cradle but drinking beautifully. 5*.
Notes: According to Terry Theise: "I often imagine I underrate the Auslesen. After the half-dozen achingly pure Spätlesen, the introduction of botrytis was striking. Some Auslesen relax, but this one dances faster. Almost hyper-active spice and verve. I managed to actually spit this, though my body was in open revolt."
IWC - Schildknecht: '...On the palate, peach with honey, dripping musky florality and a hint of licorice interact with smoky minerality and an almost fiery spiciness. This is very dynamic, right through to its finishing play of pungent smoke and phenolics...'
Regards, Bob
