2004 Niederberg Helden Auslese

Haag’s 2004 Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese A.P. #9 was auctioned. Smelling of ripe peach, dried pear, and subtle white raisin, along with a pungent overlay of botrytis spice, it spreads out in the mouth with tremendous richness and a spiced fruit cake set of layered fresh, jellied, caramelized and dried fruit flavors. The texture is faintly oily and flatteringly creamy. The finish exhibits formidable torque and length, with salt, brown spice, and malt accents as well as a honeyed overlay to its opulent, peachy fruit. All that is needed to show its best, I suspect, is around twenty years in a cellar. Importer: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, Carlsbad, CA; tel. (800) 596-9463.