3 | Wine | White, Rheinhessen, 2010

"The caramel edge and rounded palate impression of Leitzs 2009 Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spatlese point toward the super-ripe and botrytis-inflected side of its vintage. A Bittersweet amalgam of peach and apple with vanilla, peach kernel, and apple pip, this soothes where the Dragonstone practically incites (not to mention excites). This long-finishing “fruit bomb” can probably be counted on in such a vintage for 15-20 years of service, though I know of nobody (conspicuously including both yours truly and Johannes Leitz) who has put that to the test."

"Grapefruit, orange, quince, Persian melon, and white peach in succulent, yet almost electrically-charged profusion. ...are palpably underlain with chalk that (at least metaphorically) corresponds to the make-up of this under-appreciated site just south of Nierstein the village. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better example of high-wire balancing or vivacious generosity of fruit even on the Mosel, and I fully expect that this outstanding value will delight for a dozen or more years."

This wine was named #37 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Very balanced and lively, with well-defined flavors of red peach, melon, baked apple and spice. Well-concentrated, with a long, luscious, cream- and vanilla-filled finish. Mouthwatering."