2006 Robert Eymael-Monchhof Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese

The Monchhof 2006 Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese is typically full of tangerine, orange, sassafras and honey, and typically creamy – except even more so this year. Caramel and nut brittle character wells up on the palate, adding to the sense of richness, and there is also a candied aspect to the citrus fruits. No question this site is inherently inclined toward going over-the-top. A delicate personality appears to want to emerge, but sheer sweetness is holding it down. Still, this is impressive in its confectionary way. It just needs to be held for 8-10 years and will probably then reward an equal additional period of cellaring. Robert Eymael’s wines have been inching up there in my ratings, but 2006 appears to represent his great leap forward. Eymael puts his extensive, choice vineyards and his creative energy behind just a few bottlings each year, of which there are thus volumes larger than at most of the top family domaines in the Mosel. Furthermore, his prices are almost amazingly reasonable. Bravo! Importer: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, Carlsbad, CA; tel. (800) 596-9463