From: Mosel, Germany
Varietal: Riesling
Taste & Critical Acclaim:
94 points John Gilman
"The 2018 Domprobst Spätlese AP #5 is far more reserved out of the blocks than the AP #10 version, and this wine will demand some extended bottle age before it really starts to hit on all cylinders. However, the potential here is outstanding and all that is needed is some patience to outwait the inherent structural reserves of the Domprobst. The bouquet is a fine mix of pear, apple, salty slate minerality, bee pollen, petrol and spring flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish and very, very precise, with superb cut, a great core and a veritable slate bath of minerality on the long, tightly-knit and focused finish. This is going to be stellar. Drink between 2028-2075." (4/2019)
94 points James Suckling
"This has a wicked reductive edge now, so either don’t touch this for a long time, or let it open up in the glass (or, yes, decanter!). When it does finally give way, soak up the amazing, stoney nuances, freshly squeezed Japanese plums and Korean pears. Medium-bodied and tightly constructed on the palate, bound by a flinty texture with pointed acidity and crunchy lemon zest. Medium-long on the finish. Drink in 2024." (7/2019)
92 points Wine Spectator
"An enticing floral note starts off this spätlese, followed by flavors of nectarine, lime jelly and creamed pear. Silky and seductive, with vibrant acidity giving this energy and length. Hints of baking spice mark the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2033." (3/2020)
94pts Mosel Fine Wines: "AP: 05 19. The 2018er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese AP 05 was harvested at 93° Oechsle in the Nikolausley and Gerdsgrub and was fermented down to fully fruity-styled levels of residual sugar. The wine offers a gorgeous nose dried herbs, hay, greengage, whipped cream, and smoky elements. It is overtly fruity yet playful on the delicately creamy palate and leaves a clean and pure feel of herbs and spices in the long finish. 2028-2048." (06/2019)
Pairing: Spätlese rieslings like this one pairs wonderfully with dishes like the following:
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Spicy food (see below for the recipe)
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Fruit dishes
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Lobster, scallops, and fish
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Pork
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BLT sandwiches
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Smoked meat
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Roasted pork loin with apples
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Grilled halibut
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Mildly-spiced Asian dishes like pad thai
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Mild Indian and Thai curries
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Baked and grilled chicken
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Turkey
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Mild cheeses, soft cheeses
Soft-Shell Crabs With Curry Butter
By David Tanis
“It is important to us that our Rieslings are light, playful and yet very strong in character. They should reflect their origins. The DOMPROBST is rather spicy and wild and the HIMMELREICH is more fruity and charming. Our wines should remain appetizing and never be sticky-sweet. We also prefer our dry Rieslings to be light in alcohol. The tremendous minerality gives the wines tension and flatters the fruit sweetness as a counterpoint. We don’t like to talk about analyses. One should taste the wines and form one’s own opinion. For us, perfect Riesling is something magical and refined, perhaps something like a dream. Light and yet tasty, long-lasting, playful and with incredible ripening potential.”
Christoph Schaefer
About. Many thanks to importer, Rare Wine Co. for the linked information about the venerable Willi Schaefer. Check it out here.
