2005 Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg Riesling Auslese 44 Maximin Grünhaus, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 2005 Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg Riesling Auslese 44, Maximin Grünhaus

A 2005 Maximin Grunhauser Herrenberg Riesling Auslese Fuder #44 originates in a parcel that had been earmarked for Eiswein but succumbed to heavy botrytis. Aromas of sage, resin, distilled red berry and lemon oils suggest more sheer intensity than they do overt botrytis. On the palate, this is palpably dense, with nippy, bright, high-toned esters and powerful acidity and singed peach and caramelized apple reflecting the ennobled nature of the fruit. Tart red berries return along with sage oil and bright citrus in a rather severe, almost hard finish. Is this simply knotted up by its botrytis? All I can suggest is that one take a later look at this evidently embryonic, formidable rather than loveable concentrate. - David Schildknecht, Feb. 2007