Schlossgut Diel Riesling Auslese Dorsheimer Pittermännchen 2002

Dried apricot and fresh lemon aromas with botrytis accents of honey and spice. Bright, frozen-fruit acids and a fruit paste of peach, apricot and plum load the palate. This is remarkable for sheer density and for its simultaneous intensification of both Beerenauslese and Eiswein character. Dried fruits, chewy fruit skins and stark, bright acidity are backed by enormous sweetness in the finish, but a note of wet stone is still there to mark the wineandrsquo;s slate underpinnings.

Orchard fruits and citrus in the nose. This was harvested nearly a month earlier than a couple of Dielandrsquo;s 2002 Spatlesen, and it shows in the fine clarity of fruit and minerality. The sweetness just supports the peach, apricot, lemon and grapefruit flavors on the palate without obscuring the underlying notes of slate. Polished and juicy in a finish that adds an attractive note of cinnamon stick.

Dense and creamy in texture, this has concentration, lushness and a touch of botrytis accenting the apricot, lemon, ginger and mineral flavors. Still, it never gets heavy or cloying. Fine length. Drink now through 2015.

Dried apricot and fresh lemon aromas with botrytis accents of honey and spice. Bright, frozen-fruit acids and a fruit paste of peach, apricot and plum load the palate. This is remarkable for sheer density and for its simultaneous intensification of both Beerenauslese and Eiswein character. Dried fruits, chewy fruit skins and stark, bright acidity are backed by enormous sweetness in the finish, but a note of wet stone is still there to mark the wine’s slate underpinnings.

Deceptive concentration and complexity. Hints of pastry and spices accent the apricot, honey and citrus flavors in this delicate Riesling, while the vibrant acidity cuts through it all like a knife. Drink now through 2020.

Orchard fruits and citrus in the nose. This was harvested nearly a month earlier than a couple of Diel’s 2002 Spatlesen, and it shows in the fine clarity of fruit and minerality. The sweetness just supports the peach, apricot, lemon and grapefruit flavors on the palate without obscuring the underlying notes of slate. Polished and juicy in a finish that adds an attractive note of cinnamon stick.

Seductive. Ripe, forward and spicy, with exotic hints of orange, apricot and honey. It's all backed by bracing acidity, but needs some time to integrate. Best from 2004 through 2015.