2003 Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel
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Tasting notes
(for 375 ml.) Birch beer and pungent brown spices in the nose. Enormously rich, with a hint of caramelization, yet only subtly sweet in overall impression. Peach jam with candied lemon zest, herbal essences, and brothy meat and mineral depths. Firmer in feel than this year's Brucke Auslese #19, and apt to unfold over a long period. 2 stars.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
Tarragon, oregano, stones, and pears can be detected in the nuanced scents of the spectacular 2003 Riesling Auslese Niederhauser Hermannshohle. Like the Dellchen, this offering blew me away with its juxtaposition of immense richness and elegant detail. Medium-bodied and satin-textured, it reveals an ample character awash in spices, herbs, poached pears, and super-ripe apples. Notes of red currants, slate, and candied minerals intermingled with linden blossoms can also be discerned in its complex flavor profile. While the Dellchen may have been a tad longer, this wine’s lush, tremendous finish appears to last over a minute. Projected maturity: 2007-2035. Bravo to Helmut Donnhoff for this magical line-up! Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300
Green straw colour. Intense, creamy, full and intense. Very, very cool and intense. Meaty. Spicy. Smells of a German supper of cold cuts. Big and round and quite dramatic. (JR)