Smoky and spicy pungency signal botrytis on the nose of the Schonlebers’ 2007 Monzinger Fruhlingsplatzchen Riesling Auslese, which comes to the palate like a honey- and cherry preserve-glazed tangerine creamsicle. Orange blossom and heliotrope inner mouth floral perfume adds allure and the oily, creamy aspects of the wine persist into the finish, accompanied by hints of salted caramel, yet there is an insistent and enlivening tang of citrus and sense of cut as well. This will surely be worth following for two decades. To say that Werner and son Frank Schonleber have been on a roll lately must count as an understatement (and that applies to 2008, too). Two heads are better than one, no doubt, plus the advantages of accumulated wisdom and acreage – the family is filling-in what was once a decidedly, in places depressingly patchy landscape by buying up prime parcels from retiring vintners – are obvious. The Schonlebers went over their vineyards in early October to pull out some botrytis that had already accumulated and to thin their crop, and began seriously harvesting Riesling after the 10th. The estate’s vines were largely spared savage but capricious hail that rained down on parts of the Fruhlingsplatzchen. Werner Schonleber draws a stylistic comparison with the 2002 vintage, which he convincingly demonstrated with several bottles.Imported by Sussex Wine Merchants, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (856) 608 9644; also imported by Dee Vine Wines, San Francisco, CA tel. (877) 389- 9463

This enticing auslese is elegant and bursts with vanilla custard, apricot, honey and spice aromas and flavors. It feels like a touch of botrytis is adding concentration and the spice notes. There's lovely balance and length. Drink now through 2035. 90 cases made.??–BS??Region: Germany / Nahe Select to Add