2005 Niederberg Helden Auslese Goldkapsel

Thomas Haag skipped from Spatlese to gold capsule Auslese, a jump he explained was dictated by a similar leap in botrytis and degrees Oechsle. His 2005 Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule A.P. #7 smells of white peach, marzipan, and vanilla. Slightly candied on the palate but with amazingly ethereal lightness of touch and honeyed botrytis character, it is rich almost to the point of syrup, but pulls back just in time to reveal genuine wet stone slate character and subtle florality in its honey and vanilla-based finish. Importer: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, Carlsbad, CA ; tel. 800-596 -9463