Opened a 2005 Donnhoff Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Spatlese two nights ago for a special occasion. A more than appropriate pick, given that I'm yet to have a wine from Donnhoff that's been anything less than outstanding. As usual, this delivered in spades.
Pale yellow in colour. Slightly restrained on the nose at first, showing quiet but complex aromas of lime, apple, peach and flowers dusted with minerals. With time the nose opens up and keeps evolving with the floral character dominating more and some notes of clove also emerging. On the palate this is plush, medium bodied and very accessible with tons of youthful sweet fruit, showing rich flavours of apple, white fruits, lime, orange and some hints of cherry and spice. Perfect balance with good acidity that becomes more prominent with time, and a touch of salty minerality on the back palate. Finishes with good length. Very different though to my experience with the 04 Felsenberg Spat - where that was an incredibly quiet, serene and subtle wine, this is far more forward and plush, feeling a bit more similar to the Felsenberg Auslese. Still a fantastic wine (as usual) - but a very different type of charm here. Still delightful.
Cheers,
Salil