Apricot nectar, peach preserves, and fresh lime are vividly projected on the nose and palate of Weinbach’s 2007 Riesling Schlossberg Vendange Tardive which displays remarkable vivacity for a wine so rich and honeyed and almost pulpy in its sense of fruit concentration. A savory saline streak adds stimulation to a finish of startling purity, polish, and persistence. Here is the true nobility of botrytis, namely in its paradoxically self-effacing role: having worked its magic, it leaves neither fingerprints nor other coarse or careless manifestations behind. There is a riveting sense of interactive complexity here among the pit fruit, citrus, honey, and mineral aspects that should remain in effect for at least 20 years. This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage – especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand – and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

Weinbach's 2006 Riesling Schlossberg Vendange Tardive is deeply-concentrated with essences of pit fruit preserves, honey, and almost candied expression of caramel and nut paste, reinforced by the wine's sheer sweetness. At the same time, there is a core of juicy citrus that enlivens an otherwise creamy palate. I'm concerned, though, by a slightly old fishbowl, alkaline note and faintly acrid streak that may be attributable to departures of botrytis from true nobility. Judgment reserved for now on this wine's future potential. This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage - especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand - and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802