1997 Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Kabinett

What makes a bouquet really fascinating is when the expected meets the unexpected. With the Abtsberg Kabinett 1997 (a wine we will be tasting at our Riesling Night 2 on 10 March), subtle waxy and smoky aromas may be considered as typical of an older Riesling, but the heady fragrance of gooseberry and blossom comes as a bit of a surprise. On the palate the residual sugar lies in the traditional range of the Kabinett category and is well balanced by a quite prominent acidity. A subtle sweet and sour flavour shows more than just a fleeting similarity with fine orange marmalade. Very much at its best at the ripe old age of 21. (MS)

Melon and tropical fruit augment the white peach aroma here. Polished and creamy, yet bright in the mouth. Subtle sweetness supports and accentuates the tropical fruit notes. The slate itself is but a sounding board for fruit reverberations, not manifesting itself in any sort of stone‑licking way.