From Wine Advocate: "Spreitzer's 2006 Winkeler Jesuitengarten Riesling Spatlese was harvested early, since this warm and fog-prone Rhine front site could never really dry out after the heavy rain. The result is that they caught this fruit essentially still botyrtis-free - which comes as a bit of a shock after two Kabinetts atypically marked by noble rot. Pear nectar, lemon curd, mint, and nutmeg inform the delectable nose and an unusually creamy, rich, generous palate that manages to hold back high residual sugar through clear, fresh fruit acids and, no doubt, sheer density. This refined Spatlese finishes with ravishing, spice- and fruit-filled length, and should drink well for 20 years.
Andreas Spreitzer reports that on October 5, only a day after it had -rained like crazy- and as soon as their pickers could be mustered, they commenced harvesting -in record time. Thank goodness,- he adds, -we had acquired a certain amount of know-how from the experience of 2000.- This was the first year in which the team employed their sorting table even for wines of lower price echelon."
From Wine Spectator: A delicate spätlese, with a lively structure framing its grapefruit and nectarine flavors. Has intensity and clarity. Well-balanced and long. Drink now through 2025. 12 cases imported. –BS
