2004 Schlossgut Diel, Riesling, Dorsheimer Burgberg Spatlese, Nahe Germany.
The absolutely gorgeous 2004 Dorsheimer Burgberg Spatlese by Diel is spectacular in it’s subtlety and glorious detail, this is a beautiful and delicate wine of character, class and finesse with lifting acidity and remarkable clarity. Being a Spatlese, pure and with sweetness allows a generous and pleasing quality to shine through without any overt cloyingness to over shadow the complexity and graceful nature of this stunning Riesling. This 2004 feels dreamy and light, with silky flowing layers of green apple, apricot, white peach, melon and plenty of mixed citrus-tangerine, orange, lime, rose oil, minty tea along with dried tropical fruit, flinty spices, wet stones, salted toffee, bitter herbs, brine, steely mineral, waxy honey and hint of petrol fumes. This is really coming into it’s own now, 2004 was a vintage that didn’t get much attention or play from critics, but some have turned out fantastic and way beyond expectations, and this wine especially is case in point, Schlossgut Diel, while known as a top place to collect trocken style wines, should not be overlooked for brilliant Spatlese and Auslese Riesling, these are some of the best in the region and while it might be difficult to find older vintages, I highly recommend buying the Diel wines from 2011, 2012 and the new 2013 vintages, all of which are as good as it gets in fine Riesling. If you find this 2004, drink anytime, from 2014 to 2022.
($68 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive
