The Loosen 2005 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese smells of root beer, orange zest, and vanilla. Creamy in texture, abundant in ripeness and residual sugar, it makes a welcome contrast from the slight bitterness of vanilla and citrus rind, and finishes strongly with an herb, candy, and root beer dominance allied to smoky pungency of subtle botrytis and citrus rind, musk, and red slate. Importer: Loosen Brothers, Portland, OR; tel. (510) 864-7255

A lively, appealing auslese of great clarity, featuring passion fruit, pineapple and mineral flavors. Already delicious, yet should develop more length and nuance with age. Picks up an orange note on the long aftertaste. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Germany / Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Select to Add

Dried apricot notes on the nose mingle with pineapple, vanilla and smoky-slatey notes. Flavors of apricot, pineapple, melon and citrus form a veritable fruit bowl, but they’re all anchored by stony minerality. This is beautifully balanced, with honeyed sweetness kept in check by bright acidity. ——J.C.(2/1/2007)—— 92