Spiced apples are found in the nose of the light to medium-bodied 2002 Riesling Spatlese Erdener Treppchen. This forward, satin-textured, fruit-driven offering coats the palate with well-ripened white fruits and slate. Fresh, plump, and fleshy, it has an appealingly long finish. It should be consumed over the next 12-15 years. All of Weingut Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben’s wines revealed relatively high levels of CO2 (a natural by-product of fermentation that disappears with time). Readers who find this trait unpleasant should wait 1-2 years before opening any of this estate’s 2002s. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300