Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese 2002
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This Spatlese is extraordinary, hovering in that zone bordering perfection in which wines touch the soul. Profound aromas of liquid slate and pepper emanate from the glass of the 2002 Riesling Spatlese Niederhauser Hermannshohle. As powerful, muscular, and masculine as the Oberhauser Brucke, it has flavors reminiscent of spices awash in pear syrup. A barely perceptible dip in intensity in the mid-palate is the reason this extraordinarily pure, concentrated, and persistent wine earned one less point than some of its peers. All Hail the King of Spatlese! Donnhoff’s line-up of Spatlesen is second to none. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030.
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Wine Spectator
Not flamboyant, but there's a subtle kaleidoscope of flavors here, from red berry to passion fruit and flowers. Though delicate, it has intensity and concentration on an airy, gossamer frame.
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The grandchild of the estate‘s founder, Helmut Dönnhoff, paved the way for international success by establishing an enduring quality and style in his wines. His vintages would in fact become a byword for renowned German Rieslings the world over. Following his training at his parents‘ estate and university studies in winegrowing, he assumed responsibility for both vineyard and cellar starting in 1971. “Extraordinary wines are based on extraordinary vineyards. I‘m fortunate to have had the opportunity to acquire several world-class sites and in some cases to resume cultivation. It remains very much a privilege for me to produce wine from vineyards of such exceptional quality. It‘s more than I ever could have dreamed when I first started working.” This deep understanding of grand wines and grand vineyards was passed on from father to son to grandson.
The fourth generation now holds the reins: Cornelius Dönnhoff. He began his training in 1999 and, after a series of positions abroad, in 2007 returned to assume responsibility for the estate – initially for the vineyard and cellar, and now for all aspects of the operation. History continues, but the estate remains what it has always been: a family affair in every sense.
Recognized as a top quality grape here since the Middle Ages, Germany retains its high reputation as a premier source of the finest Riesling. Heavily planted throughout the Rheingau and Mosel, Riesling responds splendidly to these regions’ extreme climatic and topographic challenges. Cold-hardy enough to survive freezing winters, and sturdy enough to withstand the warm sun, Riesling has enough natural acidity to maintain balance, even in wines with the highest levels of residual sugar. While high quality is possible in all points of the sweet to dry spectrum, Riesling typically produces wine with relatively low alcohol, high acidity, steely minerality, stone fruit, citrus, spice and floral notes. With age, Riesling can become truly revelatory, developing unique, complex aromatics, often with a hint of petrol.