2008 Schloss Saarstein Spatlese Trocken

The 2008 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Spatlese trocken – as usual, from the old vines immediately in front of the estate and high above the Saar – smells of cherry and lemon; comes to the palate generously juicy but with bitter cherry pit, gooseberry, salt and crushed stone serving at one and the same time for invigoration and a certain austerity; and finishes with a fine sense of refreshment boosted by fresh lemon. Sheer extract seems to be what stands between the impression here and one of outright severity, but I would plan on enjoying this over the next 3-4 years rather than hoping for it to develop a richness that I do not think is in its nature. Christian and Andrea Ebert began harvesting their monopole Schloss Saarstein vineyards already in the second week of October – although they picked until mid-November – and did not de-acidity. Yet, these wines’ finished levels of acidity – on paper, at least – were not extreme by estate stardards, and generally lower than those of the corresponding 2007s. Importer: P. J. Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK; tel tel 918 622 0424