2002 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese
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Tasting notes
On my second visit, for Grouse Club, we arranged to bring our own bottles, but as courtesy dictates, we ordered a 2002 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese from Hermann Dönnhoff from the list. A perfect choice! It races out of the blocks with tightly controlled scents of nectarine, jasmine and slithers of white peach interlaced with very light petrol-like aromas. The palate is perfectly balanced thanks to its spine of acidity, crushed stones intermingling with yellow plum, clementine and very subtle rosewater notes. Somehow it delivers a sense of maturity while paradoxically feeling spritely and youthfully zesty. Brilliant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Pierre Rovani
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
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. For the second year in a row, Helmut Donnhoff has left me shaking my head in wonder. Having tasted the greatest wines in the world, year in and year out, as a wine merchant and as a critic, did not prepare me for the awe-inspiring experience of tasting through Donnhoff’s 2001s and 2002s. They are magical, emotional, breath-taking. My words cannot do them justice. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300
Cool and nutty. Really interesting. Hits the palate like a sprinkling of gold dust, then a firm undertow of structure potential. Quite explosive. (JR)
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. Feb 2004, www.robertparker.com