Reinhold Haart, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Riesling Spätlese, 2004

Is there anything better than a nicely aged, excellent Riesling? I am not sure, but drinking this late harvest from winemaker Haart makes me think there may not be many things that would be better.

The colour is just beautiful, shiny gold with a hint of green. The nose is sophisticated, juicy peach with light herbal notes, cool, buttery mineral and the slightest hint of petrol.

On the tongue the Haart launches a very very subtle firework of flavours. You may think that that is a contradiction, but the wine really manages to be multi-layered without an in-your-face fruit explosion. Juicy peach or nectarine form a smooth texture with light layers of (receding) sweetness, acid and mineral, all perfectly integrated. Depth and a juicy, lasting finish complement the sensation.