2008 Schäfer-Fröhlich Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spatlese 7.5%
Nahe, Germany.

Nahe is a small area adjacent to Mosel, with many excellent producers

Cork was soaked, but the level and light gold colour were very fine. Red apple, citrus, some petroleum, minor spice notes and a hint of raisin; the vibrant palate brings sweet yellow stonefruit into play, and the spices are more noticeable, it’s a mineral-flecked fruit salad in a glass, the 77 g/l residual sugar folded in with zingy acidity.

It’s ready, but will hold to 2026, and 91 points

2007 Emrich-Schönleber Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Spatlese 9.5%
Broke the cork, but the level and light gold colour are OK. It presents in a similar way to the wine above; Honey, lime, stonefruit, minerals. The palate is very sweet (78 g/l residual sugar) and expressive, with some salinity and less diverse fruit characters.

It seems sweeter than the previous wine, and slightly fresher, but with less spice notes and more straightforward citrus fruit characters, and a gentle touch of waxiness – score is the same- but different merits.

Both wines provided excellent, contemplative drinking

Drink to 2028, and 91 points (again)