Wines of Germany
Riesling & Co 2005 World Tour

Riesling Renaissance
September 15, 2005
Ana Mandara, San Francisco, CA

In general, this was one of the worst tastings I’ve been to in a while. Except for three producers, J.J. Prum, Gunderloch and Rheinhartshausen (thanks, Bill Mayer, for pointing them out to me), the wines were boring. And I love German rieslings! (I have more of these in my cellar than anything!) There were more than 60 producers at this event, and yet, I gave up in disgust after an hour or so of tasting. It should be noted that there were no Terry Theise Selections here. And I was disappointed that nothing above Kabinett level was poured for Dr. H. Thanisch…what the !@#?

This was also the first time I’d encountered the new marketing term, “Classic”, to indicate a dry German wine. Might I suggest avoiding any German wine with the word “Classic” on the label – I did not like one of them. - Jack



NV
 Deinhard Riesling Brut Sekt Lila Would drink again
1-2
2004
 Domdechant Werner’sches Riesling Kabinett Hochheimer Hölle Sweet. Too sweet.
0
2004
 Domdechant Werner’sches Riesling Spätlese Hochheimer Domdechancey Just not interesting.
0-1
2004
 Gunderloch Riesling Kabinett Jean Baptiste Nice wine. Flavorful with balancing acids.
3+
2004
 Gunderloch Riesling Auslese Nackenheim Rothenburg Wow! What’s not to like!?
6+
2004
 Gunderloch Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Nackenheim Rothenburg Serious dessert wine. Long finish. This had me excited about Gunderloch again – one of my long-time favorite German producers.
6+
2004
 J.J. Prϋm Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr Nice citrus, very mouth welcoming.
6
2004
 J. J. Prϋm Riesling Spätlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr More complex. Lots going on. Long finish.
6+
2004
 J.J. Prum Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr Sulpher baby! Tasty! Going to be great! Long finish.
6-12
2004
 J. J. Prum Riesling Spätlese Graacher Himmelreich Acidic. Yum. Good finish.
3
2003
 S.A. Prum Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr I like! Ready for food. $18
3
2003
 S.A. Prϋm Riesling Spätlese Graacher Himmelreich Lacks complexity. $24
2
2003
 S. A. Prum Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr Comes up short. $32
1
2004
 Rappenhof Gewϋrtztraminer Off-dry Rheinhessen Nearly clear in color. Good acids. Short on taste.
1
2004
 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Dry Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Dry it is.
1
2004
 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Old Vine Off-Dry Erbacher Hohenrain Lemony with good acids. Dryish.
3
2003
 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling 1 st Growth Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Has some complexity. Would try again with some age.
2-3
2003
 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spätlese Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Wow! I really like. Yum.
4-6+
2003
 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Auslese Erbacher Schlossberg Yum too. More friendly with food than most Auslese.
4-6+
2004
 Max Ferd. Richter Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr A little green tasting. Pleasant enough.
1-2
2004
 Max Ferd. Richter Riesling Spätlese Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Lacks complexity.
1+
2004
 Fitz-Ritter Gewϋrtztraminer Spätlese Pfalz Pleasant. Medium length finish. Good food wine.
1-2
2004
 Dr. H. Thanisch Riesling Classic Erben Mϋller-Burggraef Dry and hints of ?something? Weird.
0
2004
 Dr. H. Thanisch Riesling Kabinett Bernkasteler Babstude Erben Mϋller-Burggraef Thin
1
2004
 Dr. H. Thanisch Riesling Kabinett Bernkasteler Doctor Erben Mϋller-Burggraef Good
2-3



   Bookmark and Share