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.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
BOBTROCKEN_2002 Item# 134238