2010 Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben, Riesling Spatlese “Erdener Treppchen” Mosel, Germany.
Christoffel’s Rieslings are some of my favorite wines and have been for many years, but I had a hard time when tasting the 2010’s as they seemed a bit tough and severe when I first tasted them, though I have been very happy as they have had some time in bottle and they are really showing well now, especially this 2010 Erdener Treppchen Spatlese Riesling from one of the finest sites in the Mosel. I adore the purity and exotic nature of the Mosel wines and Christoffel always delivers crystalline minerallity and deep flavors and this vintage is driving with force and detailed focus with apricot, peach pit, tangerine, green apple and tropical fruits and hints of honey, salted citrus, crunchy gravel and umami. There is a good level of sweetness to cover a high level of acidity, in fact I did read this wine had to have adjusted acid, but that is all good now as it feels much more refined after a year in bottle. The finish is lengthy and has mouth filling feel and lingering sweetness, though the freshness is still vibrant and vigorous. The 2010’s look to be long lived Rieslings and should really develop nicely over the next decade, and while this beauty is drinking great now, I’d say give it a few more years in the cellar if you can keep your hands off it, clearly I was not as patient, but it was still very rewarding. Thanks to Terry Theisse for bringing this producer to the States, I always get a few of these wines every year, and I can wait to grab some 2011 soon.
($35 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
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