2004 Spatlese – Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt

I am beginning to find that German, Alsatian (French), and Austrian wines are among my favorite whites:  From bone-dry Austrian Gruner Veltliners to sweeter German rieslings, I find that the overall practicality with food and, for German wines in particular, generally low alcohol percentages, make a bottle of wine with dinner for two a practical option.   (Sorry, wine pumps don't always keep wine well even when stored air-tight.  They may, at best, prolong the life of a wine for a week.)   

I picked up a bottle at Pastoral called Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, a 2004 Spatlese from the Scharzhofberger estate in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, for $33.99.  It was very minerally and had notes of minerality, green apples, honey, and lemon.  Spatlese, as a wine, is harvested later than Kabinett, meaning it typically has a bit more sweetness to a generally fairly sweet German wine, and there are many readers who don't prefer sweeter whites.   

My favorite wine in this price point is Bernacastler Doctor, but unfortunately it's hard to find, and the places that do sell it tend to go through it faster.  Still, if you like a very good representation of a riesling at the upper end that is easy to find this one fits the bill quite nicely.