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September 4th, 2007 at 17:50
I purchased August’s Wine of the Month. Dr. H. Thanisch-Erben Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese 2004 USD $20.25. It was really good
September 4th, 2007 at 19:07
I too have had the wine recently and loved it. The 2004 vintage in Germany was great and shows great elegance, as opposed to the 2003 and 2005 vintages which were more powerful, yielding richer wines.
September 12th, 2007 at 05:40
I’m a big fan of Dr. H. Thanisch-Erben Thanisch but would like to know more about the wines. Can anyone help me with the difference between the Berncasteler Doctor and Bernkasteler Badstube?
Thanks
October 31st, 2007 at 19:12
Hello. I am a grape wine hobby farmer. I would love to grow a few Riesling plants. Could anyone help me find a wine grape nursery that sells Riesling plants. Thank you.
December 18th, 2007 at 06:01
The Streichling of the Domain Bensheim grows on a broad southerly slope that stretches along the mouth of the Zeller valley in the direction of the Odenwald. The name ‘Streichling’ probably originates from the wind which strokes (’streicheln’ in German) the hill tops. The locals call the upper part of this steep Riesling hill ‘Hohberg’ (High Hill). The Staatsweingut Bergstrasse has managed the grapes of Bensheimer Streichling for more than 90 years. The original vinyard was only on the summit of the hill at the entrance to the Zeller valley. Today the Staatsweigut manages the Bensheimer Streichling grape growing area of about 4 hectares (just under 10 acres). It is planted with 91% Riesling. Besides the Riesling , Dornfelder thrives on the Granite-weathered ground. Streichling wine matures relatively early, is fruity and develops a fine tasting palette. It is a particularly elegant and delicate Riesling.
The oldest wine in the ‘treasure chamber’ of the Domain Bergstrasse is a 1948 Bensheimer Streichling Riesling.
January 19th, 2008 at 14:03
I bought a bottle of kruger rumpf riesling spatlese 2006 I thought it was a very good young wine from the nahe valley
January 19th, 2008 at 14:38
In reference to Edward Hubert’s question about Berncasteler Doctor & Bernkasteler Badstube…
they are two different vineyard sites and each vineyard site has it’s own unique taste.
I recommend the following book:
Gault Millau - The Guide to German Wines by Armin Diel and Joel Payne.
It profiles the top 842 producers and rates over 6800 wines.
January 19th, 2008 at 15:44
a couple of months ago I was able to find a bottle of bert simon 2006 auslese riesling. It was the best riesling I have tasted yet. I live In rural south georgia. good german estate rieslings are hard to find. I had no idea how good these rieslings are. I am like a kid in a candy store.
January 21st, 2008 at 07:08
Howard,
What was the name of the vineyard that the Bert Simon Auslese came from? I don’t see much of that estate’s wines around much in the US. Fine producer though.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:56
Jack,
Serrig Wurzberg is the vineyard; Mosel Saar Ruwer valley
Labeled as follows:
Bert Simon
Serrig Wurzberg
Riesling
Auslese
2005
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
VDP
I had stated in earlier email that it was a 2006; it was actually a 2005.
January 21st, 2008 at 13:00
Another awesome wine I found was
2005 Erden Pralat Riesling Auslese
Weingut Monchhof - Robert Eymael
D-54539 Urzig Mosel
January 22nd, 2008 at 06:50
Howard,
The wines from the 2005 vintage are impressive, overall. I too am a big fan of German Rieslings and have had the opportunity to enjoy some beauties in my travels to several wine districts recently including the Mosel and Rheingau. Don’t miss the wines from Schloss Schönborn from the Rheingau if you can find them. The 2005’s are breathtaking. The same applies to one of my favorites, Thanisch, from the Mosel. I had some of these wines during a business dinner which made the evening.
January 22nd, 2008 at 21:15
Jack,
Have you tried any Kruger-Rumpf from the Nahe valley?
I purchased a 2006 spatlese from the Munsterer Dautenpflanzer vineyard -
Kruger Rumpf.
I usually prefer the auslese, but this spatlese was quite a surprise.
I enjoyed it very much.
These German estate wines are extremely hard to find in my area, but I occasionally get lucky and find one.
And trust me, I haven’t been disappointed yet.
Have you tried any sweet chardonnay wines?
January 23rd, 2008 at 20:20
Howard,
I just purchased a Monchof Erdener Pralat 2006 Auslese…I am looking forward to enjoying it. I have had many Erdener Treppchens from various producers and loved them all….this one is going to be special! This is my first post here and I just joined. The prices are very reasonable here. My bank book is burning!
January 23rd, 2008 at 22:48
Michael,
Have you tasted any Dr.Loosen wines?
Dr. Loosen is one of the top producers in Germany.
not able to find any in my area. I have been able to find Markus Molitor
Selbach-oster, Studert-Prum, and Von Hovel no problem.
January 24th, 2008 at 00:07
Howard,
I live in Eugene, Oregon and Dr. Loosen’s wines are well known around here. Many of the wine shops have them on the shelf. The QBA Rieslings do really well for a Mosel style and great price point….these days anyway. I can remember and I am sure you must also. when you could buy 71 76 auslese for a song. Too bad those days are over! We have a distributor in Portland (Oregon), Ewold Mosler Selections. Check him out(I don’t have his web address but just google him and he will be there) , he has a lot of great German labels…his forte is Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. In Oregon here we can have wine shipped to any state that allows it. I went to a Kesselstat tasting here last Saturday, they own many holdings in many estates…lots of first class riesling!
later
January 24th, 2008 at 17:44
Michael,
Have you tasted any Pacific Rim rieslings,from Santa Cruz,CA?
The dry is available in my area. I had to special order the sweet.
I know it’s not a German riesling, but it goes well with Thai and all fiery fare and also with soft cheeses. Is also great for sipping.
Because of the laws regarding alcoholic beverages in Georgia, I cannot order and have wines shipped to me at home. If I could, I would definitely order some Dr. Loosen wines.
January 24th, 2008 at 18:02
Howard,
In response to your question about Pacific Rim Rieslings from CA. YUK! There’s nothing that I have tasted which resembles the great wines of Germany. I would suggest trying some of the fine Rieslings from Austria though, and give this interesting indigenous Austrian varietal known as Rotgipfler a try. These are all stupendous wines and superb with oriental cuisine. Higher in alcohol are the Austrian wines than those of Germany, but scintillating, complex and outright delicious.
January 24th, 2008 at 19:32
Howard,
I have not tasted any wines from Pacific Rim. I am always looking for nice rieslings where ever I go though. Up here in the Pacific Northwest we are drowning in mediocre overpriced rieslings (not to mention outrageously over priced Pinot Noirs). The rieslings up here have there own character and in my humble opinion have never even got close to what the Germans are doing. Cheers to the Fatherland!
I am going to enjoy a 2006 Fritz Haag Braunberger Juffer Kabinett tonight. I had the pleasure of meeting Fritz Haag at a tasting around 10 years ago here…I have been a fan ever since. Very full bodied spatlese & auslese golden wines. The Kabinetts are also full bodied, pale yellow and crisp!
I’m going to go light on dinner tonight…just some crackers, sliced ham, fruits and cheeses. Im getting hungry!
later
January 24th, 2008 at 21:26
Frederick,
You are absolutely right; Pacific Rim is no where close to the German rieslings, but they are so difficult for me to locate here in south Georgia; I have to “take what I can get”….
I am always trying new rieslings and keep a eye out for good German rieslings when I can find them. I have tried Columbia Valley and Covey Run Late Harvest rieslings and also Hogue Late Harvest. These are all US wines; best ones I have located along with Pacific Rim; but still a long way from the good German rieslings.
Also, thanks for the tip on the Austrian wines; I will try to locate some.
Michael,
I haven’t tasted any Fritz Haag as, again, I cannot locate it here. I have read that he is one of the top producers; maybe I will be fortunate to find some at some point; would like to try it. Everything I have read about him tells me that his estate rieslings are awesome.
January 26th, 2008 at 20:47
Hey all,
I went to a tasting on Friday that featured wines from an estate in the Baden. This was my first time I have tasted wines from the Baden. The estate is called Schriesheim and the particular vineyard is the Schrieshem Kuhberg. They featured a Silvaner(sp?) kabinett, light fruity and dry for the most part, alittle residual sweetness. The Riesling was a Kabinett Trocken. Nothing like the Mosel’s or Rhiengau’s in body and flavor, but nice with a little tartness that I liked. Next was a Gewurztraminer Spatlese that was very nice, good acid and varietal character, lots of spice and honey hints. I hesitated when it came to the red wines but what the hell…first was a Dornfelder, deep purple ink in color (your could write a letter with the stuff!), the nose totally threw you off…the fruit was almost blackberry cherry sweet and thick, almost like it was going to too sweet and then when it hit the palate, it when bone dry! Very interesting. The last wine was a Dornfelder-Pinot Noir blend that was for the most part forgettable. Any comments?
Also discovered a new producer in the Mosel… Weingut Ackermann from Zeltigen. No VDP affilation or Grosser Ring on the label or capsule. The wine is a Zeltinger Schlossberg Spatlese. I have had Zeltinger Sonnehur and Himmelreich, but this was the first from the Schlossberg vineyard. Very rich and very Mosel. Any one else tasted these wines?
Brost!
February 8th, 2008 at 22:35
German Wine Fans, Question?
Does anyone have the story on the Mosel labels of the Monk sitting with a glass of wine? I have noticed that a number of producers use this “logo”. I originally thought that design was exclusive to wines from ERDENER PRALAT. I have seen the Monk associated with many other Mosel sites in Erden, Urzig and Graach.
Any history or comments?
Latest tasting: 2002 Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Spatlese…$22.00 What can I say? Delicious, a real treat.
February 9th, 2008 at 11:00
Answer regarding Michael’s question about monk on the label
From Gault Millau - The Guide to German Wines….
Winemaking at Monchhof since 1177, either by monks or Himmerod abbey.
Family owned by the Eymaels since 1804.
Winemaking there was originally began by monks, thus the monk on the label…
February 10th, 2008 at 00:53
Howard, thanks for the info, the book you referenced- The Guide to German Wines by Gault Millau. Do you find it a good sorce for history and reference? I have Hugh Johnsons Atlas of German Wine and Frank Schoomakers The Wines of Germany. I am always looking for good reference books on the subject. On my last question though, I am still confused. I noticed in your reference to the Monk you mention the producer as Robert Eymael of the Monchof Estate. This is the confusing part..I have seen the EXACT same label from Monchof, Dr. Loosen & Christoffel-Beres from wine from ERDENER PRALAT. Also in different poses and renderings for Willi Schaefer & Dr. F Weins-Prum. It seems to me its like Coca Cola and Pepsi are using the same spokesperson for their product. In my limited understanding of German efficiency it would seem to prohibit the duplication of logo\’s on similar products. It appears to me that every producer has painstakingly made sure of the individuality and uniqueness of their private label. Is this another sort of Zeller Swartz Katz, Krover Nactarsch or Hocheim wild boar?
February 10th, 2008 at 17:17
Good Day; I have found a bottle of German Wine, that is unknown to me. It is sealed, and contains liquid. The middle lable is “Feldheim Wine”. The lower lable is “August Feldheim Sohne, Mainz 1921 Liebfraumilch Spatlese”
The bottom lable is “Importers: de Fremery & Co., San Francisco, California 377 Brannan Street.”
What do I have????? Please respond via e-mail, enforce72@gmail.com.
How would I learn more about this wine. It comes with a straw case.
February 10th, 2008 at 21:42
Michael,
Interesting question about the different depictions of monks on the labels.
I have emailed on the Dr. Loosen site to get an explanation.
I know that Dr. Loosen purchased/took over the Erdener Pralat vineyard.
I also have the book Riesling Renaissance by Freddy Price that again mentions that “all Pradikat wines are fermented with indigenous yeast in oak Fuder in the cool, damp, underground cellars originally dug out by the monks of the Abbey of Himmelrod who built their first house in Urzig in 1177.” This is mentioned under heading Weingut Monchhof-Robert Eymael and Weingut J. J. Christoffel.
Under the Weingut Dr. Loosen heading, it mentions “one unforgettable wine sums up his (Ernst Loosen’s) vision: Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese Long Goldkapsel 2001. This is from a minute 1.44-ha vineyard close to the river in an amphitheatre of red volcanic rocks. ” Goes on to say that the wine has “unbelievable botrytis concentration and is perfectly clean, balanced by high acidity, and wrapped iup in fruit with layers of different flavors.”
February 11th, 2008 at 21:52
Howard,
I am impressed, you actually are going to the source to get an answer, my hats off to you. You must keep us updated.
How about the gentleman with the 1921 Liebfraumilch! Sounds like a real treasure. My reference materials say 1921 was one of the “Great” vintages for German wine. I would love to see a nice photograph of that. I have a modest collection of labels and am always looking for more.
Tasted any nice wines lately?
February 12th, 2008 at 00:16
Michael: I will post a photo of the bottle, label and straw packaging on my web site 02-12-08. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
February 12th, 2008 at 00:18
Michael: oops, forgot to provide the site. www.jerryswriting.com
February 14th, 2008 at 18:13
Jerry,
The photos were really good. The one with the wine label is obviously a very old Liebfraumilch. I don’t like Liebfraumilch so I have no comments on it’s taste but the straw packaging and the old bottle itself might be worth something. What research I did on the distributor at that time kind of hit a dead end. I believe possibly that the August Feldheim Sohne might be Schmitt Sohne now. Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.
February 14th, 2008 at 19:00
Thanks Howard.
March 1st, 2008 at 21:21
Saar Tasting and notes…
I haven’t seen any new posts lately so here I go…I decided to spark some dialog from my German Wine friends. I am by no means an expert on German wines, but I have collected and enjoyed German wines since the late 70’s starting when I was in the restaurant business as a waiter/wine captain/maitre d. I have also been involved in the Oregon wine industry since the mid 80’s as a cellar master/assistant wine maker for two wineries here in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. I am a very big fan of Riesling and even bigger fan of German wine. I just thought I would like to share…. These are wines I have tasted in the last few months. no stars, no overblown comments, prices are retail in Oregon USA.
2006 Saarburger Rausch Kabinett-Dr. Wagner- Crisp - $22.00
2004 Oberemmeler Hutte Spatese-von Hovel - Spicy - $25.00
2005 Ayler Kupp Spatlese - Bischoflichen Priesterseminars - This is Saar - $21.50
2003 Saar Riesling Spatlese (Alte Reben) - Van Volxem - Dried Fruit - $23.00
2006 Saarbuger Rauch Spatlese - Zilliken - I am glad I bought two - $36.00
1999 Scharzhofberger Kabinett - Kesselstat - Pineapples - $17.00!
2002 Serriger Schloss Saarsteiner Spatlese - Dr. Ebert - Peaches - $21.50
2005 Scharzhofberger Kabinett - Vereinigte Hospitien - Crisp Fruit - $24.00
All comments and general info would be great.
Michael
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:43
Michael,
Here’s the response I got back on the question abou the monk depicted on the different labels:
Thanks for your email. Sorry it’s taken so long to reply - I had to check on this myself. A number of different producers use some version (there are some differences in design) of the traditional label for Erdener Pralat, which features an idealized image of a bishop or abbot (Pralat means “prelate.” a high ecclesiastical title). It’s a small section of vineyard that originally was part of Erdener Treppchen, but took on the Pralat name sometime in the late 1800’s. Occasionally you will see old labels that say “Erdener Treppchen” with “Erdener Pralat” in parentheses.
Willi Schaefer’s labels feature a similar character related to the village of Graach. The vineyards in this area were mostly owned by the church before Napoleon came through, so there were a lot of monks and monasteries around in the old days.
Anyway, it’s all about tradition, which Germans are loath to abandon.
Kind regards,
Kirk Wille, VP
Loosen Bros. USA Ltd.
20501 South Tranquility Lane
Oregon City, OR 97045
Tel 503-984-3041
Fax 503-631-3209
Question I sent in was:
How did the label on the Erdener Pralat come about? The sitting monk?
I have a wine friend who asks abou the label as he has seen other wines with monk on label?
Also, with regard to the wines you listed that you have recently tasted, I have tried the Von Hovel label. What I have tried was very good.
I purchased a bottle of Selbach 2005 Riesling Auslese Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay yesterday. Tasting notes: fruity on the palate with a mineral finish. Very good; not too sweet - $15
March 2nd, 2008 at 20:22
Howard,
Thanks for the update. I feel like a pain in the rear on this subject. My confusion is still there. I have three labels from Erdener Pralat from three different producers (Monchof, Loosen & Christoffel-Berres that are EXACTLY the same except for the producers name.
I could send you an email of these labels and you could see what my conundrum is.
Funny the source you received is from Oregon…just up the road from me!
I have always liked Selbach wines. Always seem to be of high quality.
Cheers
Michael
March 10th, 2008 at 19:04
I purchased a 2004er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese (Weingut Eduard Hauth-Kerpen) for the first time this past weekend.
March 10th, 2008 at 19:05
Continuation:
Has anybody tried this wine?
March 10th, 2008 at 19:09
Tasting notes on the Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese: Fruity, but not too sweet; with a mineral finish.
March 22nd, 2008 at 19:51
Howard, Hauth-Kerpan is a very well respected producer from what I researched. I have not had one for many years..just doesn\’t show up around here often enough. Sounds like you enjoyed it! cheers! I just received an order from the Wine Club. I bought two bottles of Dr Fischer 2004 Ockfener Bockstein Kabinett, a bottle of the Feburary wine of the month..2006 Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling QBA and a bottle of 2005 Erbacher Marcobrunn Kabinett Schloss Schonborn. The shipping killed me here on the west coast….but what are you going to do? Taste Taste Taste Ockfener Bockstein Kabinett-light and spicy, fills the mouth Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling QBA-Delicious! lots of character. I will update you on the Kabinett later. One wine I have to tell you about is the 2005 Josephshofer Spatlese-Kesselstaat. This wine was incredible! Very unique, fat juicy peaches with lemons, earth and spice! The finish goes on and on.
March 28th, 2008 at 06:44
I have recently visited the german “Mosel” area. In the small village called Pünderich I have visited a wine producers called Werner lay. This family is now the third generation active in wine production. On the steep slopes of the Mosel they grow a variety of grapes like, Rivaner, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder and Dornfelder. They have a nice cellar in which we have tasted all wines produced between 2004 and 2007. From the sweet Spätlese and Auslese to the dry Riesling and Winzer sect. One of the product I liked most was the rotling, a kind of Rose wine based on Riesling and Dornfelder and the riesling classic.
March 30th, 2008 at 16:04
Wondering if anyone has tried Starling Castle Riesling - it’s a 2006 Mosel-Laar-Ruwer White Wine.
Had bought first bottle a few years ago on vacation on Boca Grande, FL.
Hadn’t been able to find it again until recently.
Found it again at a local grocery store.
It is a better-than-average table wine.
Well balanced riesling with a fruity bouquet.
March 30th, 2008 at 16:07
Sorry for the typo…
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer.