Sassafras, grapefruit zest, and toasted almond rise from the glass of Ratzenberger 2008 Bacharacher Posten Riesling Spatlese halbtrocken, which comes to the palate satisfyingly juicy and refreshing – mango adding to the luscious allure of its grapefruit – and finishes with persistent sassafras, citrus, toasted nuts, and salt. This elegant and impeccably balanced, dry-tasting Riesling can be safely and happily followed for 15-20 years. When you taste a collection like this year’s from the two Jochen Ratzenbergers, you have to wonder why their wines’ consistent quality; track record for aging; and frequently stellar performances do not make this one of the most talked-about estates in Germany. (Maybe I shouldn’t wish that on us!) In fact, they are quite well-respected at home, but I think there is a certain snobbishness that rebounds against even the best Mittelrhein Riesling because this region’s precious half-timbered villages and crenellated slopes spell “tourist country” to most German wine lovers.Importer: Sussex Wine Merchants, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (856) 608-9644