Reinhold Haart, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Riesling Spätlese, 2009

Reinhold Haart, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Riesling Spätlese, 2009

Over the past few years I have reviewed quite a few Haart Rieslings, and for this reason I had considered scaling down for a while (with the writing, not the drinking of course) in order not to bore you. It's good I did not make it into a New Year's resolution though, as the latest Haart I opened was so stunning I honestly cannot remember having had a young Mosel late harvest Riesling of this quality.

It all starts with a fantastic bouquet, unleashing a plethora of stunningly well defined fruit. It took me several minutes before I could take my nose out of the glass to start drinking as I did not want to stop smelling the fruit. There was most excellent and lovely peach, supported by apple and some melon, delightfully enhanced by flowery notes - dandelion and freshly cut grass -, soft herbs and a wonderful mineral aroma. What a peach nose!

The Spätlese fills the mouth with absolutely delicious and very well defined, ripe fruit. It is like drinking insanely juicy, concentrated honey-fruit and sweet peach nectar with creamy, earthy mineral ground into it and just the right dosage of acidity and hot spice in the finish. Lively and great balance.

A fantastic wine that is a pure delight now but should age for many years to come. Go and get some while it is still available.

Comments

Submitted by torsten Friday, 04/02/2011

In reply to by Alex

I find that you cannot really go wrong with a Haart late harvest anyway, but the 2009 is taking it that step further. It will be interesting to hear what you make of it - there are other sweet Rieslings from the Mosel that may sometimes be more powerful or challenging in some ways, but I love how enjoyable the Haart wines are and how balanced.

I forgot to add that I have been told (not by Haarts though) that it may be best to drink the wine either right now or give it a couple of years or more. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

Submitted by nd Friday, 04/02/2011

In reply to by torsten

Last time I was chez Haart their son told me pretty much the same thing regarding their Spätlese and upwards. When had now, they will most certainly be highly enjoyable - leave for ca. 3 years and they will have added some more intricate aspects - then they might go through a dip, which after 8-10 years is left behind. I hope it's 8 years since my first vintage of Haart and other Moselaners is 2003 and should therefore be good to go. Will keep you updated!

Submitted by torsten Friday, 04/02/2011

In reply to by nd

Thanks for your comment and sharing that story. I have tried pretty much all Haart vintages of the last decade (though not from all vineyards), with the exception of the 2005. I actually found them all enjoyable at all times. It is true though that the 8+ year old ones have a special quality and balance to them. With the 2003 I did never get the impression it was in a not good-to-drink stage. I had both the basic and the Erste Lage late harvest last year and both were quite good, the basic one being more exciting though. The basic late harvest will probably age a little more, the Erste Lage seemed to be as good as I'd expect it to be - but in the end that is more personal preference and Wine Rambler smart talk than science.

Either way, I'd be curious to hear your opinion!