Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2005 (Mosel) Another big hit for one of my favourite producers in the Mosel area. The Merkelbach Spatlesen I've tasted before have been incredibly light and pure, and this is no different. The nose is quiet, understated and subtle but oh so elegant, with lots of apple, lime, citrus, peach, slate and flowers. More of the same flavours follow on the palate with some cherry and faint honeyed notes also coming through, but what's amazing is the texture and mouthfeel - this is literally like having silk sliding over your tongue. Falls away a bit at the finish, but it's still amazingly good value (picked this up at about $18, and I'd happily buy more).
Schafer Frohlich Riesling halbtrocken 2006 (Nahe) I opened this early in the evening and the nose was completely dominated by sulphur. Poured a glass and let it sit a while while putting the bottle back in the fridge. An hour later, it was much more accessible. The nose is quite austere with some minerals, citrus fruits and a herbal/minty note, but it's very pleasant on the palate where it's very forward, clean and precise with plenty of acidity, steely minerality, more lemon and citrus notes and a medium length finish. Solid value (also around the same price range as the Merkelbach - although I'd buy that ahead of this without any doubt the next time).
Cheers,
Salil