Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2005 (Mosel)
Another big hit for one of my favourite producers in the Mosel area.
The Merkelbach Spatlesen I've tasted before have been incredibly light
and pure, and this is no different. The nose is quiet, understated and
subtle but oh so elegant, with lots of apple, lime, citrus, peach,
slate and flowers. More of the same flavours follow on the palate with
some cherry and faint honeyed notes also coming through, but what's
amazing is the texture and mouthfeel - this is literally like having
silk sliding over your tongue. Falls away a bit at the finish, but
it's still amazingly good value (picked this up at about $18, and I'd
happily buy more).

Schafer Frohlich Riesling halbtrocken 2006 (Nahe)
I opened this early in the evening and the nose was completely
dominated by sulphur. Poured a glass and let it sit a while while
putting the bottle back in the fridge. An hour later, it was much more
accessible. The nose is quite austere with some minerals, citrus
fruits and a herbal/minty note, but it's very pleasant on the palate
where it's very forward, clean and precise with plenty of acidity,
steely minerality, more lemon and citrus notes and a medium length
finish. Solid value (also around the same price range as the
Merkelbach - although I'd buy that ahead of this without any doubt the
next time).

Cheers,

Salil