Sassafras and licorice aromas in Kesselstatt's 2006 Josephshofer Riesling Spatlese remind me a bit of Erden. In the mouth, this offers apple fruit with strong, bitter-sweet herbal candy overtones. Creamy and opulent, like its Goldtropfchen counterpart, this takes support from its residual sugar in terms of relative delicacy and support to the fruit, but finishes with clarity, some rich, nutty depth, a distinct sense of stony mineral underpinnings, and only discreet sweetness. This should be a 20 year keeper.-We organized early,- says Annegret Reh-Gartner, -and then harvested in two weeks what we usually harvest in four.- She felt her hand was forced on the Saar when many of their vineyards were hailed on September 30, but by the time the crew was mobilized the heavy rain of October 3 was upon them.Various importers including: P. J. Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK; tel. (918) 622-0424

On the full side for a Mosel Riesling, this mouthcoating, succulent wine features piercingly pure fruit aromas of apple, citrus and honey. It’s richly fruity on the palate as well, adding in hints of strawberries, which fade slowly and elegantly on the finish.——J.C.(8/1/2008)—— 91