The 2005 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spatlese halbtrocken smells of apple blossom and vanilla, offers a relatively firm, spare but flavorful palate of apple accented by apple pip and wet stone, then finishes long, sappy, and vigorous with apple, herbs, and wet stone, concentrated, but lacking the clarity of its trocken counterpart. Also recommended: 2005 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett trocken ($ unknown; 85), 2005 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett feinherb ($ unknown; 85), 2005 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese A. P. #8 ($ unknown; 86). Importer: Billington Imports, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-4700

Ripe and richly fruity, with chunky flavors of oranges, honey and tropical fruit tinged with hints of mineral and orange pekoe tea. It’s a lush mouthful of easy-to-enjoy fruit.——J.C.(4/1/2008)—— 90