2006 Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee Ste Catherine

Weinbach's 2006 Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee Saint Catherine mingles high-toned maraschino, preserved lemon, and herbal distillates with honeydew melon and kiwi. Exhibiting tiny-berried concentration, a waxy texture, and a honeyed botrytis aura, this finishes truly dry, and with its significant contingent of citrus rind and fruit pit bitterness well-integrated into an ample supply of sheer sap. I would expect it to drink well at least through 2011. This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage - especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand - and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

(65-year-old vines on mid-slope) Good pale yellow. Subtly complex, oily nose melds lime, crushed stone, fennel and caraway seed. Rich and fairly dry (six grams r.s.), but rather closed today. Shows more alcoholic power than the Cuvee Ste. Catherine (this one is 13.9%) and a slightly tannic quality on the back. A bit dumb and inexpressive today.