TN: 2001 Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese. For the $12.99 I paid for this when I put a case down shortly after release, I must say … no complaints here! Slate and yellow fruits on the nose. It doesn’t scream Riesling in the mouth – it whispers it seductively. Lemon-lime and apricot and a bit of green apple. There is a bit of a hole on the mid-palate and its not overly complex, but that’s picking nits, as this is pure easy pleasure. 8% alc. A very solid 87 points.
These were really good, and ridiculous QPR, even for German Riesling.
Pedantry alert: there were at least 2 different Fuders sold in the US, #11 and #12, both very good, with the #12 being a bit more delicate and the #11 of greater intensity. Even though it was a ripe vintage, both were no more sweet than a modern kab even at release. I had quite a few of them but CT shows there is one more bottle of the #12 which I hope is true. I salute your patience, which has been well rewarded in the bottle.
I’m sure I have a few more, as I have not really tapped my 2001 Germans too heavily, since I thought it was such a great vintage to go the distance. Time to start with a few higher end bottles!