2006 Urziger Wurzgarten Auslese (1 Star)

The “two star” Christoffel 2006 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese is altogether more powerful than its single-starred sibling. Vivid strawberry jam is joined to musk, melon, and caramel. Improbably broad, creamy, malty, and honeyed, this nevertheless also has real depth of musky, animal, and mineral elements and more than enough acidity is retained to result in sensationally luscious length. Hans-Leo Christoffel says he thought Robert Eymael must be jumping the gun when he began the harvest here, even though it was the 9th of October, but that it turned out not to have been too early at all. “Well, I wouldn’t ever have been able to catch up otherwise,” says Eyamel, “there weren’t that many pickers available. In three weeks, we finished.” And with what results! For further details on the Christoffel-Eymael collaboration, consult issue 163, and for notes on Eymael’s exceptional solo 2006 collection, see under “Monchhof” below. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel (516) 677-9300