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2007
Riesling
Germany's reputation as
the greatest white wine producer in the world was historically based
largely on the Rheingau. One of our favorite Rheingau producers over the
last several vintages has been Stefan Gerhard. So with pleasure we
introduce the arrival of the 2007's. All his wines utilize the new
glass corks which truly represents the future of wine closures.
Stefan made his annual visit to our store to taste through his wines
late March. Many of you have become fans of these wines through our
offering over the last few years but I believe that these are the finest
wines I’ve tasted from Stefan.
The 2007 vintage in Germany ripened exceptionally early. The first of the
Riesling grapes were harvested as early as September. The Rheingau
region's best wines, however, were not obtainable until the second half of
October, following the longest growing season in two centuries. We allowed
our vineyards this additional time to ripen and mature. This decision has
paid off: An ideal balance of every one of the Riesling grape's
components lends each individual wine its distinctive expression -- the
youthfully fresh, piquant, inviting Kabinett as well as the Spätlese with
its vigorous liveliness and delicate aroma -- giving a particularly
enduring impression of the respective individual site. The healthy
potential of Riesling fruit acid lends and exciting structure to the wines
with pronounced fruitiness and balance. They can be enjoyed in their youth
for their bright refreshing liveliness and have the potential for long
terms cellaring due to the long growing season and the complexity of the
Riesling grape.
 2007
Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen "Erstes Gewächs " (First Growth)
$38.95
$35 Pre-Arrival
75 cases produced
Stefan’s First Growth is among the best dry Riesling’s in the world.
Representing a choice selection of fruit from one of the best vineyards
around. The balance between the fruit, the acid, and minerality is
simply impeccable. The Wisselbrunnen vineyard shines once again as
expected.
The name
‘Wisselbrunnen’ comes from a woody cherry tree near a well. The deep
loess clay soil and tertiary marlaceous soil of these sloping vineyards
produces full, finely fruity and substantial Rieslings.
2007
Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Spätlese “Alte Reben” (Old Vines) $47.95
$43 Pre-Arrival
50 cases
Actually it is semi-dry but with only a spot of residual sugar. The small
patch of old vine Rieslings on the Schützenhaus vineyard used for this
bottling adds a neat slate minerality to the incredibly balanced wine.
The ‘Schützenhaus site
produces average to weighty, powerful wines. This site grows qualities
that are winy, full of taste and with a fine touch of acidity.
2007
Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Spätlese Trocken $26.95
$24 Pre-Arrival
Here is Stefan Gerhard’s mainstay in dry Riesling. Even though
Stefan labels this Spätlese , it is really quite dry. This is a wine you
can match up with almost any food but it is especially good with sushi, a
bucket of steamed clams, fish, chicken, and it is also immensely drinkable
by itself.
2007
Hattenheimer Hassel Kabinett $20.95
$19 Pre-Arrival
170 cases
This is the classic fruity styled Riesling with a good splash of natural
residual sugar. Excellent balance between fruit, sugar, acidity, and
minerality allow this wine to complement spicy fusion sushi, Thai curries,
and spicy Mexican food.
 ‘Hassel’
is a south site with deep limey clay soils giving substantial, weighty
wines that harmonize very early. They are juicy with fruity acidity;
attractively excellent wines possessing long storage life.
2007
Hattenheimer Hassel Spätlese Feinherb $26.95
$24 Pre-Arrival
This Spatlese is extraordinary, hovering in that zone bordering
perfection in which wines touch the soul. Medium-bodied and revealing
scents reminiscent of sweet apricots and peaches. The Feinherb conquers
the taster with ethereal waves of slate, pear, and spicy minerals.
Satin-textured, as pure as crystal, and lasting over a minute on the
palate, it is a masterpiece to drink with reverence.
2007
Hattenheimer Hassel GKA 375ml $37.50
$34 Pre-Arrival
20 cases produced
Arrives August, 2008.
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