Erdener Pralat Auslese, Weingut Dr. Loosen 2007

Pungent sassafras, white pepper, and orange zest strike the nose from Loosen's 2007 Erdener Pralat Rieslng Auslese. In the mouth, too, pungency - along with citric brightness - is the invigorating theme. This seems an extreme example of the "new style" Schug adopted for Loosen Pralat beginning with the 2003 vintage (based on earlier picking and an attempt to maximize fresh fruit). Ironically - especially given the potential of the vintage - I find myself wanting a sense of creaminess where this is relatively spare in texture. Still, the delicacy and fresh fruit intensity on display here are in themselves highly impressive, and the finish is strong and invigorating in its citrus and spice, adeptly countering the wine's high residual sugar. I suspect a more sensually alluring and complex personality will develop in the course of what should be at least a 20 year evolution of this wine.

Slightly cheesy nose and then dense and rich with a hint of bergamot. Delicate and herbal. Drink 2010-2020. Date tasted 8th July 08.