2015 Graacher Domprobst Spatlese 5
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Tasting notes
Here, noted the Schaefers, is where a bit of botrytis comes into play, though as an enriching agent rather than something you taste per se . Extremely ripe pear, Persian melon and quince deliver heady scents and luscious, slightly decadent richness. Hints of almond, hazelnut and vanilla extracts, along with lily-like perfume, add to a seductive performance. Creamy and buoyant, the palate nevertheless retains satisfying juiciness, leading to a superbly sustained finish featuring undulating interaction of fruit, nut extracts and liquid floral essences over a bed of wet stone.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Picked with a higher percentage of botrytis and stylistically more towards Auslese, Schaefer's 2015 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese AP #5 is very bright, clear and flinty though reductive on the nose, with very nice stony flavors. Rich, round and concentrated on the palate, this Spätlese is structured by a piquant acidity and an excellent grip. This is a very stimulating though still closed Spätlese that needs ten or more years to unfold all its complexity and talents. It has 7.5% alcohol, 80 grams of residual sugar and 9.3 grams of total acidity.
AP number 05 16. Light, fresh lime juice aromas. Very precise palate entry with real composure. All set for a pretty glorious future. Still lightly chewy. (JR)