Graacher Domprobst Spatlese Versteigerung, Weingut Willi Schaefer 2016

(Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese Auction #09) AP: 09 15. This is the only Graacher Domprobst Spätlese produced at the Estate in 2014 and is the result of a painstaking selection of berries harvested at 92° Oechsle from a privileged parcel in the Nikolausley still planted with old un-grafted vines. Auction Spätlese wines often have the weight of an Auslese, but not this one. This is a real Spätlese made along the stringent principles of lightness of the Estate and showing a slightly more exotic side than usual. At first, this hugely reduced wine only delivers some faint and seemingly linear scents of orange, pear, greengage and apricot blossom. These lead to a delicately racy and precise feel on the palate. It is only after extensive airing (days at the moment!) that the true potential of the wine comes to light, with a more almond-infused side and more body in the finish. There is plenty of potential here, but the wall of reduction is holding everything back at the moment. 2024-2044