The Richter 2008 Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling Spatlese was still in cask when I last tasted it, smelling of quince, lime, cinnamon, and alkaline mineral notes, all of which put me in mind of Loire Chenin. Honeysuckle inner-mouth florality adds interest to this excellent example of trans-regional vintage character that allies delicacy and refreshment to a palpable sense of extract. I would count on this being delicious for 12-15 years. “We had the November weather in October, and the lovely October weather in November,” says Dirk Richter of 2008, thereby essentially explaining his harvest strategy. He ameliorated acidity through skin contact; nature helped by precipitating tartrates; and nonetheless, some wines were de-acidified already as must. Richter is pleased to characterize the results as “classic Mosel Rieslings,” and since Richter spends a great deal of time promoting his wines in the U.S. I am happy to be able to concur in that description, even if some of his 2008s are only modestly successful. Richter admits that this collection is likely at least for the short term to be overshadowed by those on either side of it, but speculates that the 2008s will have their day if given time.Importer: Langdon-Shiverick Cleveland,?OH; tel. (216) 861-6800