Last night I opened a spatlese from a producer who I've had great experiences with before, Schäfer-Fröhlich (Riesling Spätlese Nahe Bockenauer Felseneck 2005). I was rather looking forward to it, given a rating I'd read:
"A terrific spätlese, with a kaleidoscope of berry, lime, sweet corn and mineral aromas and flavors that mingle with the elegant yet firm structure. This is refined, with harmony and a lingering citrus and mineral aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. 200 cases imported."
Upon opening, however, I got a big nose of raw onions. There was little complexity to it other than that. Taste was also somewhat oniony up front, finish off into a touch of sweetness, but with a short finish. I have to think this was flawed.
Unfortunately, me and my friends finished the bottle, as I'd poured the whole thing just after opening into their 5 glasses, so I can't take it back. Has anyone ever had a Spatlese smell and taste like onions? That's not what I would expect from TCA, if that's what it was.
- Chris