I was in Germany for the 2003 harvest and visited the Rheingau and the Mosel. I visited some of the top estates of the Rheingau and spoke to the winemakers. While the sugar levels were quite high they believed that they could make well balanced wines.They hope to achieve this by blending grapes from different portions of the vineyards where the grapes were not as ripe. I had a good example of this when I tasted grapes from both sides of the same vine. One side had more exposure to the sun that the other and there was a very noticeable difference in sugar levels. I believe that the 03 wines will be, for the most part fuller bodied, reach and elegant. In early January I had a visit from one of the top producers from the Mosel. He brought with him four barrel samples his wines. Once again they were fuller bodied than one might expect from the Mosel but they were very well balanced and showed a richness and elegance with hints of mineral and peach and apples. I believe that the 03 vintage will become a classic, at leads for the Mosel.
- posted
20 years ago