Betsy is working next few nights, we decided to have our corned beef and cabbage a few days early. She used the Silver Palate recipe that includes cloves and leeks, I served the 2005 Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett. OK, no more. Cherry and apple fruit, but a honied sweetness dominates. Not really flabby, but the acids don't match up to the sugars. I ride with Betsy to city, do a speech at a hunger banquet at Hunter, take train home. I revisit the Merkelbach. Acids a little more noticable, but this still seems almost like a (mediocre) dessert wine. Another 2005 Kabinett that is a mild disappointment- in head to head matchups, I always prefer the 2004s (though I didn't have the 2004 of this). I think the idea that 2005 is best at higher pradikats is looking fairly valid. B-/C+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.