2003 Kiedricher Grafenberg Auslese
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
(for 375 ml.) At this point in the Weil 2003 line-up we begin to detect botrytized, shriveled berries. Grilled pineapple, white raisin and candied lemon aromas. Oily in texture, thickly rich and honeyed, with pungent brown spice notes. Complex layering of jammy, fresh, dried and caramelized fruits. Voluminous yet penetrating. Enormously clinging but not cloying despite its considerable sweetness-no wonder, as it boasts 11 grams of acid, a figure Weil himself finds impossible to account for. 2 stars.
Critic scores
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
Sporting a nose that combines aromatic characteristics typical of Beerenauslesen and Eisweins, the 2003 Riesling Auslese Kiedricher Grafenberg (non-gold cap) reveals smoky botrytis-laced yellow fruits as well as hints of lemon-laced caramels. Armed with huge richness, this deep effort has superb purity, intensity, and length. While it is somewhat heavy, like many 2003 high end German late harvest wines, it appears to have enough balancing acidity to provide lift. Projected maturity: 2008-2030 (readers should note that a Gold Cap version of this wine exists and was tasted – it sells for $500 per half-bottle – but it was so raisiny, so heavy, as well as so dominated by caramel and molasses that it is not being reviewed). Importer: Rudi Wiest Selections by Cellars International, Inc., Carlsbad, CA; tel. (760) 566-0499