Pear and nut oils figure prominently in the nose of Schonleber’s 2007 Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spatlese, which adds lime, nectarine, melon, and red fruits on the palate. Satisfying succulence and refreshment as well as subtle mineral suggestions inform a long finish, though not one comparable in elegance, refinement, or complexity to that of this year’s corresponding Fruhlingsplatzchen. This should hold well for at least 12-15 years. 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

Packed with creamy vanilla, meringue and buttered pastry flavors accented by citrus. Light-weight and lively, showing balance and detail, with a lovely finish. Drink now through 2024. 350 cases made.??–BS??Region: Germany / Nahe Select to Add