Hermann J. Wiemer Riesling Finger Lakes Late Harvest 2008

Off-dry, but with good freshness to the kiwifruit, pear and Granny Smith apple notes. The open-knit finish has nice persistence. Drink now.

Flattering and forward, but with good drive, as off-dry apple, piecrust, candied lime peel and quince notes bounce along from start to finish. Drink now.

Inviting, with a gorgeous beam of persimmon, apricot and blood orange fruit flavors allied to a creamy, lush frame. Fig, green tea and creamed pear notes then fill out the lengthy finish, with great underlying snap. Drink now through 2019.

This New York Riesling is reminiscent of a fine Alsatian vendage tardive with its rich floral nose and full body. Flavors of lemon, green apple, grapefruit and lime sweep through the palate, finishing with mineral notes. The finely tuned balance of sweetness and acidity lend this wine to richer foods such as broiled monkfish or your most decadent cheesecake.

As Mosel a wine as you're likely to find this side of the Atlantic, this is Spätlese peachiness through and through. The fresh white peach fruit is nothing short of delicious, the racy acidity lifting it and carrying it long into the finish. Chill a bottle for a harvest luncheon with cheese, charcuterie and sliced apples.

This late-harvest white retains bracing aromas of passion fruit and citrus. its sweet melon flavors and luxurious length have both classic Spatlese weight and the briskness for Sichuan prawns.

For little more than the price of the dry version, consumers seeking noble sweetness can purchase Wiemer's 2007 Riesling Late Harvest. Pear, quince, and candied citrus rind inform this silken-smooth, quite sweet, but persistently juicy offering. Very subtle hints of botrytis pungency in no way disturb the admirable sense of purity on display here, and while there is certainly refreshment to be had here, one will not confuse this wine's overall softness with any German Spatlese or Auslese. This wine is ideal simply for sipping over the coming 3-5 years.