Riesling Report: Johann Wilhelm Schild Ürziger Würtzgarten Spätlese, 2007

We're celebrating the Summer of Riesling by trying a different bottle every weekday. Got a favorite riesling? Recommend it in the comments!

If you see it, buy it. The 2007 is particularly gorgeous, but I'd happily explore any vintage of this wine. The name of the winemaker is written quite small on this bottle (perhaps he's humble) but you can't miss the vineyard—Ürziger Würtzgarten, the 'spice garden' of the Mosel, known for its old vines on steep hills of slate and bright red, iron-rich sandstone. Wines from this vineyard tend to be spicy, and this one really captures that; it's roiling with flavor.

The steep red slopes of Ürziger Würtzgarten [Photo: Rudi Wiest Selections] Note, this wine is imported by Schafer-Reichart Selections.

Up front, there's a ton of sassafras and lime leaf, then plump, juicy red-fleshed plums and fragrant, sweet peaches, crisp Macintosh apples (including the skins) and a dusting of pollen. It seems gilded, gleaming and fresh, with an orangey acidity and a intense splash of bright peppermint. Your mouth tingles cleanly after each sip.

Drink this wine on its own, or serve with delicate salmon or arctic char crudo, crab cakes (don't go crazy with the seasoning), or darker poultry like turkey or quail.

Around $18, sample provided for review.

More German Riesling

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Weingut Immich-Batterieberg C.A.I. Riesling 2009 »
S.A. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2006 »
Günther Steinmetz Riesling Trocken 2009 »
Leitz Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Spätlese, 2009 »
Eugen Müller Forster Mariengarten Riesling Kabinett, 2010 »
Strub Riesling "Im Taubennest" Niersteiner Oelberg, 2010 »
Markus Molitor, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Riesling Spätlese 2008 »
Gunderloch Riesling Kabinett, "Jean Baptiste" 2010 »
Schlossgut Diel Riesling Kabinett 2009 »
Von Buhl Armand Riesling Kabinett 2010 »
Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken 2009 »
Carl Loewen Klostergarten Riesling Kabinett 2010 »
Klaus Meierer Kestener Paulinsberg Kabinett 2008 »
Von Hövel Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Spätlese 2009 »

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