Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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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.
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.