the vineyard, 2006 Vintage Riesling Classic 2006 A touch lean, with high-toned floral and citrus flavors. It shows bright acidity, but the flavors are light. Coarse finish. Drink now through 2010. Wine Spectator 04/08 Berncasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2006 Ample in volume and spicy, exhibiting apricot, orange and brown spices backed by a lively structure. It s big for a Kabinett, with some apparent heat. Drink now through 2016. 88 points Wine Spectator 12/07 Wine & Spirits 12/07 Riesling Kabinett 2006 Opulent, with plenty of flesh enveloping dried apricot, orange peel and banana aromas and flavors. Brown spices also enter the mix. Has enough acidity to stay focused through the piquant finish. Drink now through 2022. Wine Spectator 12/07 Riesling Auslese 2006 Despite its bold, concentrated ripeness this doesn t feel weighty, its rich mango and orange fruit supported by a firm structure and fragrant minerality. The harmonious balance should allow this wine to age gracefully. Wine & Spirits 12/07 Open-knit and full of apple, pear and quince notes, with the ripeness and flesh covering a moderate structure. Soft overall, with baking spices on the finish. Drink now through 2025. Wine Spectator 04/08 Riesling Beerenauslese 2006 The wonderful minerality imparted by the Doctor vineyard is somehow able to keep this intensely sweet, rich wine from being heavy or cloying. Dried apricot notes mark the nose, followed by scents of mango, peach and pineapple; this wine virtually gushes with sweet tropical fruit and honey, yet maintains a wonderful sense of balance throughout. 96 points, Top 50 Cellar Selection of 2007 Wine Enthusiast 12/07 UPC # NA
the vineyard, 2006 Vintage Berkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese 2006 This is a rather big and burly wine for a Mosel Spätlese, weighing in at 11.5% alcohol. And while it shows plenty of power, it also shows nuance in its aromas and flavors, which range from baked fruit, honey and spiced marmalade to oily, mineral essences. Has the concentration to age, but the balance of sugar and alcohol may not hold in the long run drink it over the next few years to avoid disappointment. 92 points, Editor s Choice Wine Enthusiast 08/08 Wine Spectator 03/08 UPC # 8 36957 00089 9 Riesling Spätlese 2006 In a departure from Mosel stereotypes, this wine is missing the floral fragrance and vivacity so typical of the region. But it remains impressive, offering plenty of concentration and density, hugely mineral aromas and flavors that call to mind molten rocks and even an oily texture and viscous finish. How it will age is impossible to predict, so drink it over the next 2 3 years. Wine Enthusiast 08/08 UPC # 8 36957 00065 3 Berncasteler Lay Riesling Auslese 2006 Shows delicate flavors of strawberry and peony, with a creamy texture and hints of vanilla. This is airy, with a surprising backbone of acidity and good length. Drink now through 2032. 92 points Wine Spectator 04/08 Wine Enthusiast 03/09 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese 2006 Light and sleek, with peach, nectarine and a candied orange peel notes matched to a lively structure. Superbly balanced and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste of peach. Drink now through 2038. 94 points Wine Spectator 04/08 94 points, Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast UPC # NA
the vineyard, 2007 Vintage Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese 2007 An extra layer of concentration and spice suggests botrytis in this exotic, opulent Spätlese. Honey and baking spices add depth to the apricot and passion fruit notes, yet it finishes a little shy. Drink now through 2025. Wine Spectator Web 09 UPC # 8 36957 00089 9 Berncasteler Lay Riesling Auslese 2007 Loads of botrytis here, with beeswax, spice and caramel notes fusing with the apricot and citrus. A little heavyhanded and soft, showing more development than most 07s. Drink now through 2028. Wine Spectator Web 09 Wine Enthusiast 12/15/09 Riesling Auslese 2007 Concentrated and full of honey, citrus and spice notes, yet lacks the freshness and purity of the best 07 Auslese. It has good structure, but falls just short of outstanding. Drink now through 2028. Wine Spectator Web 09 UPC # 8 36957 00179 7 Riesling Spätlese 2007 A rich, opulent version for the vintage, offering apricot, honey, vanilla and citrus aromas and flavors. There s good acidity, along with a mineral undercurrent, but it s covered by the sweetness today. Drink now through 2032. 92 points Wine Spectator 04/09 UPC # 8 36957 00065 3 Riesling Auslese 2007 This is rich without being heavy, its clear, bright flavors of mango, apricot and lime complemented by a pure texture and lively acidity. Wine & Spirits 12/08
the vineyard, 2008 Vintage Riesling Classic 2008 On the dry side, this rich white offers apple, pear and earth notes. There s adequate acidity, coming through on the firm finish. Drink now through 2013. 88 points Wine Spectator 06/10 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2008 An austere white, with stone and mineral top notes layered over peach and nectarine flavors. A core of acidity, with a hint of grapefruit peel bitterness, keeps it all balanced. Best from 2011 through 2020. Wine Spectator 03/10 Riesling Spätlese 2008 A concentrated version, yet lively and resonant, courtesy of its bright structure. Peach, necatrine, grapefruit and mineral flavors glide to a lingering, savory finish. Best from 2011 through 2022. Wine Spectator 03/10 Wine Enthusiast 03/11 UPC # 8 36957 00066 0 Riesling Kabinett 2008 A rich style, showing plenty of apple, with accents of flowers, golden raisin, grapefruit and mineral. This silky white is balanced by fresh acidity. Drink now through 2019. Wine Spectator 03/10 Wine Enthusiast 03/11
the vineyard, 2009 Vintage Riesling Classic 2009 Firm and powerful, with a citrusy essence to the baked apple, peach and candied quince flavors. Long finish of ginger and spice. Drink now through 2017. Wine Spectator 04/30/11 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese 2009 Despite this wine s intense richness and ample residual sugar, it is so well balanced that it doesn t come across as being particularly sweet. Hints of flint or crushed stone amplify the purity of the fresh apple and peach fruit and linger elegantly on the finish of this full-bodied Auslese. Drink now 2025, possibly beyond. 92 points Wine Enthusiast 06/11 Minerally and racy, yet unctuous, with ripe white fruit flavors that are focused and concentrated. Creamy notes linger into the pastry- and marzipan-filled finish. Distinctively rich. Drink now through 2040. 94 points Wine Spectator Web 11 Thanisch s old vines in the deep soils of the Lay produce ripe, broadly flavored wines. This Auslese is richly textured, and harmonious in a lush style. The fragrant notes of Mandarin orange and white peach are underlined by soft notes of slate, and both fruit and mineral aromas persist with focus and length. 93 points, Year s Best Wine & Spirits 04/11 & 12/11 Riesling Auslese 2009 Rich without being overly sweet, this wine s aromas are redolent of dried apricots, with a hint of shiitake mushroom as well. Gingery spice balances the honeyed richness on the palate, and extends through the long finish. 92 points Wine Enthusiast 03/12 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2009 This Kabinett possesses lovely balance, marrying sweet pineapple aspects with zesty citrus notes. The fruit is lush to the point of slightly covering the underlying minerality, but remains clean and racy on the finish., Editor s Choice Wine Enthusiast 06/11 The flavors of orange citrus and white peach are delicately poised, turning richer and more tropical on the palate without losing their sense of clarity or finesse. The underlying mineral notes are taut and nervy, adding to the overall impression of vivacity. 92 points, Year s Best Wine & Spirits 04/11 & 12/11 Estate Riesling Kabinett 2009 Rich, vivid and spicy aromas lead into ripe, long and deep flavors of apple, mango and apricot. The finish offers very pure notes of lemon curd and mineral. Drink now through 2024. Wine Spectator 03/11 Riesling Spätlese 2009 This is unusually subtle and discreet for the vintage, its slate-infused flavors of Asian pear and Meyer lemon silky and delicately poised. Its sense of balance is gorgeous, expressing all the class and finesse of this great vineyard site. 92 points, Year s Best Wine & Spirits 04/11 & 12/11 Ripe and juicy, featuring concentrated baked peach, apricot and Fuji apple flavors. Very spicy as well, leading to a finish loaded with honey cream notes. Drink now through 2025. Wine Spectator Web 11 UPC # 8 36957 00065 3
the vineyard, 2010 Vintage Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2010 Delicate, with apple tart, melon and chamomile flavors that are fresh and juicy, showing lots of slate notes and hints of sage honey on the zesty finish. The pure-tasting finish is long and ethereal. Drink now through 2024. 92 points Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese 2010 This succulent wine features bright flavors of red nectarine, grapefruit and green apple. The tangy finish offers plenty of spice notes, with hints of mint. Drink now through 2030. UPC # 8 36957 00089 9 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese 2010 Powerful and refined, with focused and concentrated flavors of apple, red peach, Asian pear and gooseberry that are backed by loads of fresh acidity. The vibrantly juicy finish is filled with mineral and slate, with notes of honey and spice. Drink now through 2040. 93 points A hint of bitter citrus pith on the attack smooths out beautifully, evolving into sweet-tasting stone fruit, honey and crème caramel notes on this rich, balanced wine. Touches of sea salt and crushed stone add minerality to the medium-long finish. Wine Enthusiast 02/13 Riesling Kabinett 2010 Very crisp, with an intense array of chamomile, green apple and chive flavors that are supported by loads of fresh acidity. Lemon-lime notes dominate the zesty finish. Drink now through 2024. Riesling Spätlese 2010 A rich style, with loads of bright citrus and crisp apple flavors that are focused and pure-tasting. Very honeyed on the finish, with spicy notes that power through. Unctuous. Drink now through 2035. 93 points Seemingly dripping with honey and nectar, this lush, intensely concentrated Riesling is dense, with sweet whitepeach, grapefruit and pear flavors. Veins of of dusty slate and sharp lemon-lime acidity add complexity and elegance to the long, lingering finish. Wine Enthusiast 02/13 UPC # 8 36957 00066 0 Riesling Auslese 2010 A racy style, with plenty of savory herbal notes to the pear, apple and ripe citrus flavors. There s a mother lode of minerality in this well. Finishes crisp and clean, with plenty of spice and hints of tarragon. Drink now through 2040. 93 points Notes of marmalade, spice, wax and lanolin intertwine gorgeously on the nose and palate of this penetrating, complex Riesling. Tasting unabashedly sweet and honeyed, this features a note of bitter orange rind and intense tangerine-like acidity, making it mouthwatering and sippable. Wine Enthusiast 02/13
the vineyard, 2011 Vintage Estate Riesling Kabinett 2011 Ripe, filled with peach and dark currant flavors that take on a rich, lightly smoked caste. Jellied citrus and glazed apricot flavors linger on the plush finish. Drink now through 2020. Wine Spectator 12/31/12 Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese 2011 A savory style, with some hints of tarragon and chive to the crunchy apple and white peach flavors. Glazed apricot emerges on the honeyed finish, showing hints of smoke. Powerful and elegant, but needs some time to gel. Best from 2014 through 2032. 93 points, 12 Luscious German Rieslings Wine Spectator 10/19/12 Orange rind and tangerine aromas are enticing introductions to this brisk, exotically spiced spätlese. The palate is sweet, with yellow peach and Meyer lemon, but accented with hints of herbs and savory spices that bring to mind delicate South Indian cuisine. A touch of lemon-pith astringency and acidity adds tightness to the finish. Wine Enthusiast 12/13 UPC # 8 36957 00089 9 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2011 Very firm and racy, lending hints of wild herb to the crisp apple and white berry flavors. Exhibits a pure-tasting finish of mineral, with hints of chamomile and beeswax. Drink now through 2023. Wine Spectator 11/30/12 Riesling Kabinett 2011 Carries an aroma of hot stone, with dark currant and nectarine flavors supported by a lively acidity. This is rich and juicy on the finish, offering notes of white chocolate and spice. Drink now through 2026. Wine Spectator 11/30/12 Riesling Spätlese Trocken 2011 White floral and peach notes bound from the glass of this gorgeously feminine Riesling. It s intensely ripe, with peach and melon flavors, but dry and mineral laden on the palate. Finishes long, with a kiss of spring blossoms and a shock of lemon-lime acidity. Wine Enthusiast 12/13
the vineyard, 2011 Vintage Dr. H. Thanisch Estate Riesling QbA 2011 Screw cap. Medium bodied, crisp, and off dry, this is a very good Riesling, with grapefruit, pineapple, pear, and floral aromas/flavors. Very good value. + 3+/5 STARS Ron Wiegand s Restaurant Wine [Issues 150-151] Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese 2011 Viscous and redolent of ripe peach, white cherry and pear tart, all supported by mouthwatering acidity. Very luscious and creamy, offering a long finish of glazed apricot, with hints of sea salt and mineral. Drink now through 2038. 93 points Wine Spectator Insider Vol. 8, No. 48 12/12/12 Brilliant and vibrant yet concentrated, with tangerine, yellow peach and honey flavors, this wine is a roller coaster of flavors and textures on the palate. Luscious sweetness is balanced by bracing acidity and a lingering saffron-kissed finish. Drinks beautifully now, but will deepen in intensity for decades to come. 93 points, Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast 12/13 Riesling Auslese 2011 Lush up front, with plenty of buttery notes to the ripe apple, peach and lemon curd flavors, featuring a lilting smokiness. Finishes with notes of dried fig and spice. Drink now through 2028. Wine Spectator web 2013 Riesling Spätlese 2011 Redolent of fresh-cut nectarine, with a firm edge to the acidity and plenty of minerally notes. Light and airy on the finish, showing crunchy green apple and citrus elements. Drink now through 2028., 12 Luscious German Rieslings Wine Spectator 10/19/12 This is brawny and huge, a giant mouthfeel of sun-rich fruit flavor and a dark, stony minerality. Three days after opening, it had barely changed, still monolithic, the mango and kumquat intensity jostling for primacy with the stoniness. It deserves years in the cellar or a meltingly rich pork shoulder to match. 93 points Wine & Spirits 12/12 Sweet lemon-curd aromas are laced with hints of petroleum and smoke on the nose of this brisk, sprightly spätlese. Intensely ripe stone fruit flavors dance delicately on the palate, laced with white blossoms and lemony acidity. Wine Enthusiast 12/13 UPC # 8 36957 00065 3
the vineyard, 2012 Vintage Dr. H. Thanisch Estate Riesling QbA 2012 A minerally style, with ripe flavors of spiced peach, dried apple and red grapefruit. The long, vibrant finish is racy and focused. Drink now through 2016. Wine Spectator web 2014 Thanisch Riesling Kabinett 2012 Supple and easy, this has racy acidity that lifts its sweet apple flavors. And it lasts, ready for pork chops. 88 points, Best Buy, Year s Best German Riesling Wine & Spirits 12/13 Riesling Kabinett 2012 Savory, with a telltale sweetness to the ripe apple, peach and dried apricot flavors, featuring a mouthcoating viscosity. Long and lush on the finish, with notes of mango and guava. Drink now through 2018. Wine Spectator 11/30/13 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2012 The core of firm acidity supports the white cherry, raspberry and ripe citrus flavors, extending with notes of tarragon and dried thyme. The minerally finish exudes sea salt and iodine accents. Drink now through 2021. Wine Spectator 11/30/13
the vineyard, 2012 Vintage Riesling Spätlese 2012 White Rich and powerful, with a seductive smokiness to the broad, concentrated flavors of ripe lime, mineral, pear tart and peach. Reveals a lush spiciness, showing an elegant, lacy structure that supports the plush finish. Drink now through 2040. 93 points Wine Spectator 10/30/13 UPC # 8 36957 00066 0 Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Spätlese 2012 A racy style, with a vibrant salinity to the concentrated flavors of fresh-cut apple, green pear and gooseberry. Intense citrus notes come to the fore, leading to details of white pepper and spice on the precise finish. Drink now through 2040. 220 cases made. 94 points Wine Spectator 12/31/13 UPC # 8 36957 00089 9 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese 2012 This evocative white shows an intense minerality, revealing a full-throated expression of terroir. Slate and flint flavors dominate, complemented by secondary notes of dried apple and unripe peach. Dried tarragon and sage accents flood the finish. Very elegant. Best from 2016 through 2040. 95 points Wine Spectator 02/28/14 Riesling Spätlese 2012 White Offers mouthfilling zest, with flavors of dried sage and baked apple, featuring hints of Medjool date that carry extra richness. Hard to resist, presenting a honeyed and creamy finish of strudel. Drink now through 2038. 93 points Wine Spectator 10/30/13 This bursts from the glass with spicy, tropical fruit scents, which quickly find the match in mango-rich flavor. Broad and supple, it s satin-textured and succulent, with enough acidity to keep it elegant - and to wend its way through grilled opaka., Best Buy Wine & Spirits 12/13 UPC # 8 36957 00065 3 Riesling Auslese 2012 This racy, focused style offers effusive minerality, presenting a range of green peach, apple, tarragon, dried mint and slate flavors. Very lively midpalate, with a finish of blood orange and cream. Drink now through 2038. 94 points Wine Spectator 02/28/14