Oh, my, what a lot of wine! It’s been ages since I’ve had a riesling from the Pfalz, and a while since I’ve had such a quintessential Kabinett. This has what I loved about the '12 Kabinetts – superb concentration and a stiff backbone of acidity. This is remarkably layered for a Kabinett, with earthiness and kiwi fruit and some quince on the nose and in the mouth. “Jasmine and apricot,” my wife said, “and a bit of citrus.” She nailed it. And I swear you can smell the acid on the nose – it bristles.
Only slightly sweet, yet it’s rich (10.5%), but with such acid that it isn’t at all heavy. The finish just keeps on giving – earth, fruit, lush, tart, lush, tart. One of the most intriguing, satisfying rieslings I’ve had in a while. Holds my attention, forcing me tor return over and over to probe its layers. Really outstanding. 94+ And a good foil for sauteed Coho salmon with lemon, ginger and marjoram.
I think I paid in the low $20s for this. (I see the Halbtrocken on W-S for $22.) I bought it as a weekday quaffer and never put it in my inventory, so I don’t know where I got it. It brought back fond memories of a fabulous meal at the hotel adjacent to the winery in 1997 with K-R wine pairings.
A memorable wine. I mean, who needs those Spatleses and Ausleses, really?
It’s, um, early for Coho.
John,
I agree. Very memorable Kabinett. The richness (for Riesling) really gives the acidity balance and puts what’s already just a touch of RS firmly in the background. Price should be very low $20s. I’ve thrown it at Red and Green Shrimp and Chicken Curries and it kills it every time. I bought three cases, one for myself and two that I sold.
My wife bought it. I assume it was frozen. She wasn’t attuned to that. Still better than farmed.
Sounds great. I recently bought the 12 kabinett trocken after a tasting at Crush and was similarly impressed. Your note might make me open it soon.
Amen. Kings should start showing up any day now 
Just for the record, 2014 Koehler-Ruprecht “Saumagen” Kabinett trocken received 93pts. by David Schildknecht a few days ago.
I see they list the Saumagen Kabinett. I think that’s more highly regarded than Steinacker. Thanks!
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I see they list the Saumagen Kabinett. I think that’s more highly regarded than Steinacker. Thanks![/quote]
YES
“I see they list the Saumagen Kabinett. I think that’s more highly regarded than Steinacker. Thanks”
YES
At $24, I will be buying some of the '12 Saumagen!
Is there an expression in German equivalent to the English, “making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” I always think of that when I see references to the Saumagen vineyard. And it sounds like K-R has made a silk purse out of a sow’s stomach in this case!
There is a phrase called “aus Scheiße Marmelade machen” or “aus Scheiße Gold machen”
“making jam from shit” or “making gold from shit”
Ha! The sow’s ear metaphor is a little more – how should I say? – refined. 
Yes, but less direkt (blunt)! Germán is great for calling a spade a spade.
Indeed, king salmon showed up today at Whole Foods in Boston.