Given my disappointing German Riesling tasting, I forged ahead and tried four more. For this round, I increased my price range to up to $22 (not including any case discount) hoping to find the right wine. I headed to Federal Wine & Spirits, a store I often rely upon for interesting, quality wines, and newcomer The Urban Grape in Chestnut Hill.
2009 Georg Albrecht Schneider Spätlese
Rheinhessen, Niersteiner Hipping
Prädikatswein
I asked two colleagues to try this one with me. The three of us were surprisingly unanimous in our opinion – a sweet, unremarkable wine with a short finish. The nose was very ripe red apple. One colleague described it as apple cider, but sweeter. To their – and my – surprise Federal considered this “slightly sweet” and described the mouth as “thickish, very ripe, slate edged succulence, lean, nicely balanced.” As we pondered which part was “thickish” versus “lean,” we came to the conclusion that this would not be the wine. At Federal Wine for $14.99.
2008 Reichsrat von Buhl Maria Schneider Jazz Label
Pfalz
Qualitätswein
The nose was peach, lime juice, lemon, and some minerality. Good medium acidity, light bodied, and much leaner than the Albrecht Schneider. At The Urban Grape for $18.
2007 S.A. Prüm Blue Slate Kabinett
Mosel
Prädikatswein
Right out of the bottle, the Blue Slate was closer to what I had expected than any of the previous wines. Apricots, slate, minerality, and petrol all wonderfully balance in the nose. It is not bone dry, but the long-lasting, mouthwatering acidity offers an excellent foil to any residual sugar. The wine is well-rounded with a hint of bitterness and a very nice, medium length finish. I am getting closer! At The Urban Grape for $22.
2008 Paul Anheuser Kabinett
Nahe, Schlossbockelheimer Koenigsfels
Prädikatswein
Apple, lemon, and spice on the nose and palate. Medium acidity. Good, but a bit short. (A side note: Paul Anheuser also makes an interesting Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir.) At Federal Wine for $13.99.
Prüm’s Blue Slate is my top choice so far, but this may require going on for round three. I’m open to suggestions, so if you have recently had a good German Riesling for under $20, please do share the name!
