This
family run estate in the Mosel Valley
produces tiny quantites of superb
Rieslings; the type we love pairing with
the exquisite sashimi at Teru in
downtown Santa Barbara.
Today we received two Rieslings from the
same vineyard, Graacher Himmelreich. The
only difference between the two wines is
the harvest time; the Spatlese was picked
one week later. Everything else is the
same. Which makes tasting these two
together eye-opening; what seven days can
do!
2023
Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich
Riesling Kabinett $55
Superbly refreshing and complex with notes
of spearmint, smoke, celery leaf, fine
herbs, candied lime, and tangerine. This
one's intense with mineral notes coupled
with gorgeous candied citrus fruit. The
energy and purity are remarkable. The
finish is taut and very spicy; a splendid
Kabinett, with tons of energy.
2023
Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich
Riesling Spätlese $68
We're going to defer to Stephan Reinhardt
from the Wine Advocate, partly because our
tasting notes we're hastily produced (we
were so astounded by the wine), and partly
because Stephan captures the magic of this
wine in words. Is it worthy of 99 points?
In a word, YES!
The
review:
"...Spätlese
is very clear and intense yet also precise
and flinty on the bright and well-defined
nose that is intense without being bold
and is characterized by its perfectly ripe
and elegant fruit and delicate slate
aroma. Lush and savory on the palate, this
is a very intense, utterly mineral
and mouthwatering Spätlese with
great energy and tension, enormous length
and salivating complexity. This is an
adorable and age-worthy showstopper and a
milestone Himmelreich for Andrea and
Christoph Schaefer. 7.5% ABV".
...mesmerizing
(that's from our notes).
