2018 Graacher Domprobst Spatlese 13 19 (Auction)

As usual, Schaefers’ A.P. #13 Spätlese represents a half-fuder’s worth of wine intended for auction and informed by especially ripe grapes. In the present instance, scents of apple, pear, lily and heliotrope are borderline overripe and decadent, but nicely offset by bittersweet counterpoint of fruit seed and licorice, as well as allied on the palate with an unexpected degree of delicacy, clarity and primary juiciness. A glossy feel and prominent sweetness reinforce the sense of advanced ripeness on a lusciously lingering finish.