Salil wrote:
> Opened a 2005 Donnhoff Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling
> Spatlese two nights ago for a special occasion. A more than
> appropriate pick, given that I'm yet to have a wine from Donnhoff
> that's been anything less than outstanding. As usual, this delivered
> in spades.
>
> Pale yellow in colour. Slightly restrained on the nose at first,
> showing quiet but complex aromas of lime, apple, peach and flowers
> dusted with minerals. With time the nose opens up and keeps evolving
> with the floral character dominating more and some notes of clove also
> emerging. On the palate this is plush, medium bodied and very
> accessible with tons of youthful sweet fruit, showing rich flavours of
> apple, white fruits, lime, orange and some hints of cherry and spice.
> Perfect balance with good acidity that becomes more prominent with
> time, and a touch of salty minerality on the back palate. Finishes
> with good length. Very different though to my experience with the 04
> Felsenberg Spat - where that was an incredibly quiet, serene and
> subtle wine, this is far more forward and plush, feeling a bit more
> similar to the Felsenberg Auslese. Still a fantastic wine (as usual) -
> but a very different type of charm here. Still delightful.

Nice notes, Salil. I think that you're seeing here the vintage
differences between '04 and '05. Like you, I've never had anything
other than an outstanding bottle from Dönnhoff. BTW, I also picked up
the '06 Schloss Vollrads QbA on the strength of your recommendation.

Mark Lipton
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