Kloster Elberbach Steinberger Riesling Spätlese 2005, Qmp Rheingau, Germany

The best holiday souvenirs for me are local arts and wine. Opening this bottle brought me back to the beautiful three weeks spent in Europe in the summer of 2010. This Riesling opened up with aromas of pink grapefruit, baked apples, peach skin and kerosene. On the mouthfeel, light bodied (alcohol comes in at 8%), moderately sweet with an excellent fruit/acid balance and a beautiful, creamy honeyed texture. This Rieslings finish is very soft with citrus fruit, a touch of honey and very flavourful. It has been 2 1/2 years since I first tasted this wine in Berlin, this wine is now moving into a more mature, complex and honeyed character, compared to the brighter fruit and acidity in the summer of 2010. Gorgeous wines like this one, are better shared with friends and made for a delightful sipper. Much enjoyed by all four of us, score 92 points.

 

Purchased August 2010 in Berlin, Germany at the beautiful KaDeWe Department Store

 

Photo courtesy of Rick. Much appreciated.

Balthasar Ress Riesling Spätlese 1998, Rheingau, Germany

A wonderful example of a fully mature Riesling Spätlese, with a bright yellow gold colour and aromas of Peach, apricot, honey and petrol. This full body, medium sweet white, coats your mouth with ripe tree fruit and baked apple, noticeable minerality and fresh natural acidity to balance all that sweetness with low alcohol at 8.5%. The finish is long with honey and Asian spice. Pair with spicy food or with a dessert like fruit flan, crème brulée or crème caramel. A wonderful wine and a real treat.

This wine was purchased June 25, 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 20.95.