Jammy cherries, currants, molasses, cinnamon, and white raisins can be found in the zesty, sharp aromas of the 2001 Riesling Eiswein Bernkasteler Badstube. A wine of sumptuous depth, it is massively concentrated, possesses awesome levels of acidity, and has unreal purity of flavor. It soars onto the palate, permeating it with an assortment of red berries, wave after wave of candied limes, and syrupy layers of honeyed slate. This stupendous, mind-numbingly long, earth-shattering wine may outlive anyone old enough to purchase it upon release. Projected maturity: 2015-2050+. Wow!Johannes Selbach, this estate's winemaker and director (as well as Terry Theise's man-on-the-ground in Germany) is on fire. His wines are top flight and yet his winemaking appears to be improving with each vintage. Readers should note that Selbach's wines typically appear substantially better after a few years of cellaring. I've tried to compensate for that by inserting plus (+) signs by those wines that have the most chance of improving significantly over time.Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

An ethereal eiswein. Very light on the palate, yet packed with creamy vanilla, pastry, and citrus notes, all supported by lively acidity. It picks up a smoky mineral note on the finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2015.??–BS??Region: Germany / Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Select to Add