2014 Keller Riesling Von der Fels
And “won-der-ful” works. Man was this good. Slate and lemon balm and apple all find their way up the snoot. This is crystal-clean to taste, with more lemon and unripe apple and a very steely and washed-stone underlay, and it has length to spare. Fantastic stuff, and I never use the word “fantastic” with the words “German Riesling”. I will need to connive to source more.
2005 Chateau Climens
My friend Genny took one sip and said “no, no, these two people (her mom and her roommate and friend) don’t need any of this, it tastes awful”. She adored it…and it definitely is hard to resist. Honey, vanilla, some hint of pineapple and papaya and pear all form the bouquet. This is lush on the palate without being in any way overbearing. Replays and a small nougat end note. I am becoming more convinced that the 2005 vintage will never reach the heights of sophistication that 01 or even 07 (or perhaps 09 with time) will, but that does not stop this from being utterly licklicious and absolutely worth your time. I also can’t see this getting any better, though no danger of losing steam. It’s just scrumptious and designed for hedonists right now. Glad I have about 4-5 more of these.
Sante,
Mike
The '05 is more like the '90, whereas the '01 is more akin to, if even more ethereal than the '88. Haven’t had the '07 so can’t compare, but I agree with your impressions about the '05 being spectacularly lush, open, and gratifying (whereas the '01 is still quite closed in).
Great note on the 2014 Keller. I am reminded: Last week and this week I was expecting a full case of 2014 Hipping Kabinet. I was watching the tracking and started to get some anomalies. Returned to sender, package rejected, etc. Sadly the box was dropkicked and 9 bottles were broken Yikes. Lucky for me there are nine bottles left at the shop that are en route as I type. I cannot wait to try them, especially after seeing your note. Also, this is the first breakage that I have had in ever 15 years.
The Keller I had in New Orleans. It is very nice. Not the high end Keller but so satisfying. Great notes Mike!
I have loved the '05 Climens since having it for the first time at the UGC in 2008. It has always been a pleasure to drink. I have not had the '07 Climens, and would love to try them both side-by-side one of these days. Thanks for the notes!
Thanks,
Ed
The 01 Climens is truly snug as a bug in a rug right now, as in I don’t have another half slated to be opened for at least 4 years.
The 2007, from New Year’s:
"2007 Chateau Climens
Opened for a full 2 days. And on initial opening, the coconut and lime jump up and grab your schnozz and they don’t let go. It does completely transform by that 3rd day, honey and orange blossom and star fruit are all bouquet components. The tongue finds this absolutely dreamy, there is simply so much going on but all of it is on a light, fluffy cloud. A true achievement, very clearly worth the tariff if you can scrounge up any of this, I’d certainly put it above the 2005, which I’ve enjoyed tremendously, and possibly close to the 2001 and 1988 versions of this wine."