Weingut Theo Minges Riesling QbA, Pfalz, Germany

點擊次數(shù)：2958

Lime, linden flower, and honeysuckle in the nose of Minges’ liter bottling of 2008 Riesling lead to a lusciously citric and invigoratingly saline palate. This lot simply stopped fermenting with what on paper might seem like an excessively high 43 grams of residual sugar, but in fact the perceived sweetness is amazingly well-knit, and the fruit and sweetness of the wine’s floral profile thereby underscored. This exceptional value should remain a delight for at least the next 3-4 years, not that anyone is likely to hold on to it for so long. Minges’ mentor – and continued consultant – Hans-Gunter Schwarz was long fond of saying, You can tell the quality of an estate from that of its liter Riesling, and by this standard Minges’ estate gets high marks indeed. Many of this year’s Minges wines were allowed to ferment spontaneously. “It stopped fermenting where it wanted to,” remarked Theo Minges, about one of several wines that did not go dry as they probably would have with cultured yeasts, adding that he’s being influenced now by the success of his exercise in wine-making passivity known as the “Froschkonig” (for more about which consult my review of that wine in issue 185). Regina Minges was keen to point out that the relatively low alcohol and delicate refreshment achieved in particular at the lower end of the price scale reflects an early November harvest.Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

Lime, ginger, and resin greet the nose from a glass of Minges’ liter bottling of 2007 Riesling, which exhibits a honeyed hint on the palate and finishes with sappy, resinous and saline persistence. This year’s rendition, incidentally, comes entirely from estate fruit, whereas the trocken and halbtrocken liter bottlings incorporate contract grapes. Enjoy it anytime over the next 4-5 years. For the most part, Theo Minges achieved admirable results in 2007, a vintage he saw as playing into his hand by promoting inherent clarity, nuance, and “energy, so that all you had to do in the cellar was direct it.”Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

Minges’ 2006 Riesling liter bottling is more expressive than the halbtrocken version he also bottled. This displays floral, lime, tangerine, apple, yellow plum, and spice, impeccable balance of sweetness, and a juicy, generous finish that is not without some intriguing suggestions of minerality to go with its spice. It will drink beautifully anytime over the next 2-3 years. Theo Minges certainly proved his viticultural mastery this year, because you would never guess you were tasting wines from such a challenging vintage. “Yes,” he says, “we began picking really rapidly at first. But after a while, once we saw that things had stabilized in the vineyard, we could adopt a completely normal pace.”Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel (516) 677-9300

This wine was recommended, but no tasting note was given.Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300