A 2010 Dorsheimer Burgberg Riesling Auslese reflects the highest quota of botrytized fruit (roughly half) among Schlossgut Diel’s Auslesen of this vintage, and that is evidenced in this wine’s creamy texture, musky pungency, and overtones of caramel and honey. Musk melon, sweet lime and purple plum muster a juicy matrix for all of this wine’s richness, while an alkaline note and lick of salt serve-up a mineral dimension. A faintly lactic hint somewhat deprives the finish of focus or refreshment, though this might be epiphenomenal and evanescent. Caroline Diel testifies that when her Auslesen were first bottled this Burgberg showed the greatest harmony but acknowledges that roles have changed in the meantime. I would want to revisit this without question imposingly rich elixir in another year or two if not sooner. While her famous father Armin naturally continues as a trusted advisor, it is evident in conversation as well from continued adjustments in methodology that Caroline Diel is settling into her role as hands-on manager of this great estate, clearly positioning it as one of those lucky enough to receive the special benefits and blessings that can accrue to felicitous multi-generational collaboration. Selective double-salt de-acidification was performed here in 2010 – occasionally even in lots destined for residually sweet wines – and skin contact encouraged. Alcohol levels for this year’s Grosse Gewachse are in the moderate, 12.5-13% range.Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300