Lime, cherry, and grapefruit in the nose of Richter’s 2008 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese betray the Bernkastel-proximity and orientation of this high-altitude, upstream portion of the official Graacher Himmelreich vineyard. Gooseberry pungency and tartness impinges on the palate, but thanks to judicious sweetness, an overall impression of succulence is conveyed. This represents essentially a sweeter, even more wound-up version of the corresponding Kabinett, and will no doubt remain lively for 12-15 years. “We had the November weather in October, and the lovely October weather in November,” says Dirk Richter of 2008, thereby essentially explaining his harvest strategy. He ameliorated acidity through skin contact; nature helped by precipitating tartrates; and nonetheless, some wines were de-acidified already as must. Richter is pleased to characterize the results as “classic Mosel Rieslings,” and since Richter spends a great deal of time promoting his wines in the U.S. I am happy to be able to concur in that description, even if some of his 2008s are only modestly successful. Richter admits that this collection is likely at least for the short term to be overshadowed by those on either side of it, but speculates that the 2008s will have their day if given time.Importer: Langdon-Shiverick Cleveland,?OH; tel. (216) 861-6800