TN: 1983 Von Schubert Maximin Grünhauser Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese

RyanC · January 24, 2010, 7:24pm

Another step on my odyssey to learn more about German wines…

1983 Von Schubert Maximin Grünhauser Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (1/24/2010)
Perfect bottle purchased relatively recently from Premier Cru. Good but not to the level of a recent JJ Prum 83 W-S Spat that was truly exceptional. Light gold color. Strong petrol predominates over lemon and stone fruits on the nose. The palate is relatively lean and dry, retaining sweetness more as an essence than a characteristic, and shows pronounced minerality. Vinious and middleweight, this is not terribly complex, but it is pure and very well balanced. Nice texture and intensity, if lacking some mid-palate presence. This should continue to age gracefully, but I don’t see it improving significantly. (90 pts.)

John_Morris · January 24, 2010, 7:30pm

I don’t know that I’ve had an 83 from either Maximin Grünhaus or JJ Prüm, but as you may know, wines from the Ruwer tend to be more austere and acidic than Middle Mosels.