Kesseler’s generic estate 2006 Riesling is from Rudesheim fruit, all in excess of Auslese must weight, so ripe was the vintage. Peaches and vanilla in the nose set the tone for this creamy, noticeably sweet Riesling, with its finish on vanilla, honey and brown spices. Drink this over the next few years in contexts where its sweetness is appropriate. Kesseler suffered a 50% loss in crop from his long-term average, but ruthless selectivity on top of his usual low yields paid dividends in quality albeit at the price of prominent sweetness. Kesseler attempted neither a Kabinett, nor (insisting that botrytis and alcohol would have been too evident) did he essay any dry wines from his estate holdings in Rudesheim. The 2005 vintage reds – bottled in mid-2007 – have fulfilled their excellent promise. Needless to say, from these steep stone sites, and cropped at the levels requisite for top quality, Kesseler Pinot Noirs do not come cheap. But they certainly invite comparison with red Burgundies selling for comparable prices. And while they are all very ripe, none of these 2005s betray their alcohol in bitterness or heat.Various importers including: Classic Wine Imports, Boston, MA tel. 800 362 4420; Dee Vine Wines, San Francisco, CA tel. (877) 389-9463; Ewald Moseler Selections, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 236-9370

A round, peach- and ripe apple-infused Riesling. Rich and succulent, with a firm finish of white pepper and grapefruit peel. Has great balance. Drink now through 2012. 1,000 cases made, 700 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Germany / Rheingau Select to Add