Hermann Dönnhoff, Kreuznacher Krötenpfuhl, Riesling Spätlese, 2007

Light golden colour. At first, the nose is a little closed - mineraly yeast with herbs and a hint of peach; not unpleasant, but also not very intense. And while you still wonder where Dönnhoff is going with this, something gorgeous hits your taste buds. Even within seconds after opening the bottle, the sensation on your palate is just marvellous. And it gets better over time, as does the nose.

Mineral, (caramelised) apricot-peach with some tropical fruit, especially kiwi, just the right dosage of lemony acidity and a really good finish team up to create a very well balanced, really elegant mix. When we reached the last glass there was a hint of bitterness, but with that exception the Krötenpfuhl (=toad puddle) was marvellous, just marvellous.

We had it with a creamy squash risotto with roasted sage walnuts, but if in doubt just drink on its own. But drink it!