2015 Weingut Willi Schaefer, Riesling Spatlese, Gaacher Himmelreich, Mosel Germany.
There is something everyone in the wine world agrees upon, and that is Willi Schaefer Riesling, and especially the Gaacher wines, are some of the greatest wines on earth! From famed Riesling/German importer Terry Theise to Robert Parker, there is no question Shaefer is one of the top estates in the world, these wines have a cult, or religious like following, it is almost impossible to find them on the shelves of a wine merchant, in fact it is almost a rule of life if you ever see a bottle, you buy it, regardless of why you entered the shop in the first place, you never even look at the price, and walk away with a cat like grin on your face, these wines are treasures, no matter the vintage or vineyard, no matter the sweetness level. The 2015 is a vintage to cherish and covet, so being able to preview a Willi Schaefer Spatlese Gaacher Himmelreich was a prized treat and a rare gift, huge gratitude to Terry Theise and Wine Wise for having a sample of this glorious nectar, it is always a thrill to taste these wines and this Gaacher Himmelrich did not disappoint! One of my most cherished wine moments is drinking a Shaefer Auslese, it was so amazingly poised it didn’t feel heavy and it’s silky complexity so divine you can’t imagine the joy, it almost brought tears to my eyes, and this 2015 Spatlese has that kind of wow factor! From the steep slate of the Mosel this fine and delicate example hides it’s extract and power behind layers of lacy acidity, flinty mineral and heavenly creamy textures, this is a case where the must weight and sugar doesn’t translate into overt sweetness or density on the palate as such, this wine is purity and refinement with subtle richness and graceful lines, it is truly feminine and feline with exotic charms and velvet muscles supporting everything in sleek and beautiful fashion. The highlights are balanced savory notes against hedonistic and pleasing layers of rose petals, tangerine sorbet, fresh orchard picked apple and apricot, lime and delightful tropical array to contrast against cool wet shale/stones, minty herb, saline and tangy ginger. This wine seduces completely with youthful raw sexy appeal, but certainly she will age with glorious rewards, when something is this gorgeous it will be insanely difficult to wait, that is why patience is a virtue! There is much more to come in this stunning wine, no doubt it will become legendary, it is well advised to lock a few bottles up, I can imagine a window of 12 to 30 years of age to peak enjoyment for this traditional Mosel classic, best from 2025 to 2040!
($40 Est.) 94-96 Points, grapelive