Suggestions of strawberry and sassafras in the nose of the Kruger-Rumpf 2008 Binger Scharlachberg Riesling Spatlese resemble a cross between Urziger Wurzgarten and Erdener Treppchen. Suggestions of smoked meat however point to the wine’s actual origins in Permian sandstone. This is succulently satisfying but less outgoing or impeccably-balanced than the corresponding Dautenpflanzer. Still, it has at least 12-15 year evolutionary potential, and during that time may well have its more expressive and focused periods. The Rumpfs seem in 2008 to have had to struggle less to avoid the greenness that was observed in certain of their 2007s. “There was just nothing you could do this year,” comments Georg Rumpf, “except let the fruit hang a long time on the vine.”Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300