2005 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese (3 star)
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Tasting notes
A 2005 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese offers a sweet, sultry, musky nose of lily, vanilla, and overripe, soft apple, and these elements repeat on the palate along with a creamy texture and opulent richness. The personality of this wine certainly complements the inherently creamy, vanilla, and nut paste aspects inherent in the site and its finishing persistence is indeed formidable. But there comes a point in such an opulent, sweet array of Rieslings when I long for a bit of brisk acidity and vivacity by way of counterpoint. There certainly seems to be ample stuffing and purity of fruit here for several decades’ aging, although as previously mentioned, I have yet to acquire any impression of the track record of Molitor’s Rieslings. Also recommended: 2005 Riesling trocken (unknown; 85), 2005 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett trocken (unavailable; 86+?), 2005 Wehlener Klosterberg Riesling Spatlese feinherb (unknown; 84-86), 2005 Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese*** feinherb (unknown; 85-87). Importer: Schmitt Sohne, Millersville, MD; tel. (410) 729-4083
Critic scores
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
About the producer
Markus Molitor is now among the largest privately owned wine estates in the Mosel and also one of the best. With a focus on single-vineyard expressions, the estate produces between 80 and 90 different wines each vintage.