Maker: Karl Heinz, Guntersblum, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
Grape: Riesling
Region: Piesporter Michelsberg, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Ripeness: Auslese
Vintage: 2003
ABV: 8.5%
Appearance: Old gold
Nose: Barlett pear, Meyer lemon
On the palate: Soft mouthfeel. Delicate and citric. Honeysuckle, lemon thyme, coriander seed, lemongrass, limestone, a hint of green cardamom.
Finish: Like the final seconds of a lemonhead. Sweet with a tingly tartness slowly fading away.
Parting words: This was another corner store find. While walking with the kid in the stroller, we stopped into the local party store to grab some beer. I saw this bottle on the shelf. I was reluctant to get it. Sure it says Auslese, so by the book it should age well, but who knows how well it had been treated over the nine years of its life? And is Karl Heinz really that good? And it’s Piesporter Michelsberg, not Goldtröpfchen. But it is Riesling and only $10. In the end I got it, obviously.
I don’t regret my purchase at the least. This is a delicate, sophisticated wine that has aged gracefully. It’s sweet and complex, but not thick and syrupy. It’s the perfect choice for an afternoon or afterwork sip on the porch. Heinz Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Auslese 2003 is highly recommended.
Sipology 