2007 SCHLOSS LIESER BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER SONNENUHR RIESLING - TOO YOUNG FOR PROMISES

As is the case in Burgundy, it is fair to say that strength in depth has never been greater in Germany’s Mosel Valley. Weingut Schloss Lieser is one estate whose star has been on the rise for many years and now sits among the region’s upper echelon.

Notwithstanding the estate’s high quality wines, prices, particularly at Kabinett and Spätlese level, remain very fair. This particular wine was from a case sourced in the UK for a very modest GBP120 in-bond, a steal when one considers the wine’s inherent quality and ability to age.

This case has sat unopened since landing in Australia. However, curiosity eventually got the better of this little cat, and the cork was soberly drawn from the first bottle from said case. As this point in its maturity curve, the wine is yielding relatively little, with an initial note of sulphur overlaying tropical and citrus fruit. The palate too, is quite tight, a strong line of acidity defining the wine’s structure.

For a Spätlese, the residual sweetness is relatively modest, perhaps reflective of some development. In sum, this little Riesling is just a pup, a spotting teenager going through a typical phase of early adolescence. It is a wine that really needs more time, ideally at least another five years, to start to reveal its full potential.

2007 BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE
Producer: Weingut Schloss Lieser
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2007
Region: Mosel, Germany
ABV: 8%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 3 February 2013

Tasting Note:
Pale silvery green. Aromatic nose of green apple, guava, lychee, sulphides. Off-dry, prickle of acidity up-front. Nashi pear, apple, quince. Very fresh, pure and clean. Finishes with vibrant lemony acidity. Whistle clean and refreshing. A stylish Riesling showing some development, but yet to fill out.
Score: 16.5+/20