Messmer’s 2008 Riesling Spatlese trocken Schiefer (from the Schawer) displays considerably more stuffing than the corresponding Kabinett, though with Sauvignon-like gooseberry, honeydew melon, and sharply herbal scents and flavors. Attractively greenhouse-like suggestions of mingled flowers and greenery waft throughout, and there is considerable stony and saline mineral interest This is invigorating in both its tartness and pungency, and there is more than enough sheer sap and juiciness to ward off any sense of severity. It will be worth following for 6-8 years. It had been too long since I’d seen Gregor Messmer (although I am at his winery annually) and I was encouraged by witnessing him professing his rededication to his vineyards. That said, after a 2007 collection that was the best I had tasted here in a number of years, I found that some of these 2008s – which were harvested between the 18th and 30th of October – leaned rather sharply in the direction of leanness and Sauvignon greenness and shared with many of their fellow Pfalz trocken Rieslings an extremely tart brightness.Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300