April 1, 2009 | News | Wines of the Month
The Mosel of the month for April 2009 is a highly enjoyable Auslese that combines intensity and delicacy and, in that sense, is exemplary for the 2007 vintage.
The Weingut Schloss Lieser enjoyed a superb reputation as a source of great Riesling for a good part of the 20th century when it was owned by the Schorlemer family, one of the household names in Mosel winemaking. Unfortunately it sunk into mediocrity after being acquired by a large bottler in the mid-1970s and essentially dropped off the radar screen of wine lovers until the 1990s.
It took all the dedication and drive of Thomas Haag (one of the sons of Wilhelm Haag from the famous Weingut Fritz Haag) and his team to rehabilitate the household Schloss Lieser name, which is now fortunately again one of the top ones for Mosel Riesling.
The 2007er Lieserer Niederberg Helden Auslese GK proved very backward after bottling but has gone from strength to strength over the last months and now proves exemplary for the good positive side of the 2007 vintage, as it blends intensity with delicacy.
2007er
Schloss Lieser
Lieserer Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese GK
10 08
93
This Auslese GK is by no means a small wine with grapes being harvested at 115-120° Oechsle, which is technically already in Beerenauslese territory. Despite this intrinsic weight, the wine manages to remain remarkably refined in style. The first nose already conveys a supreme sense of elegance and freshness, a not so common combination in this rather ripe vintage. The wine shines on the palate with attractive flavors of yellow fruit, pure peaches, pineapple and great acidity. There is some very fine botrytis that just adds complexity without unnecessary weight or too much exotic notes. The finish is sappy, again intense and long. This is certainly one of the must buys from the 2007 vintage. Now-2027+
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