Tasting Notes

Wine Spectator - 2000 vintage

Quick access:
| von Buhl | Mönchhof | Gunderloch | Fritz Haag | Reinhold Haart | Hövel | Künstler | Schloss Lieser | Milz-Laurentiushof |
| Pfeffingen | J.J. Prüm | Bert Simon | Wegeler Mosel | Wegeler Rheingau | Weins-Prüm | Robert Weil | Geltz - Zilliken | Karthäuserhof |

Mönchhof - Robert Eymael (Mosel valley)
Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Erdener Prälat 2000
Orange and passion fruit notes mark this creamy, yet vivid Riesling, whose flavors seemingly melt into the delicate structure. Terrific finish. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through 2012. 10 cases made. (BS) Web 2002. Score: 90 points.

Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Erdener Prälat 2000
Very pure and complex, unfolding its peach, custard, spice and mineral flavors on an elegant and seamless structure. Rich and creamy, yet lightweight too, ending on a sweet spice note. Drink now through 2010. 50 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 90 points.

Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Ürziger Würzgarten 2000
Expressive and harmonious. A live-wire Mosel auslese, sleek and vibrating with peach and pear flavors on a crystalline structure. It echoes mineral on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 100 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 89 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Ürziger Würzgarten 2000
Lean on flavor at this stage, yet there's a lovely beam of acidity and it's tightly wound with citrus and mineral notes. Fine length and harmony show promise. Best from 2003 through 2012. 500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

'Astor' Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2000
Crisp and juicy, this is a delicious kabinett, with the spry frame, apple citrus and mineral flavors only the Mosel can produce. Drink now through 2007. 500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 85 points.

Estate Riesling 2000
Light-bodied, with a sweet-and-sour character to the lively green apple and red berry nuances. Drink now. 4,500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 82 points.

Wegeler (Mosel valley)
Riesling Auslese Bernkasteler Doctor 2000
Crystal clear and racy, offering a transparent setting for the apricot, honey and citrus flavors to shine. Very lively and long on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 40 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 90 points.

Riesling Spätlese Bernkasteler Doctor 2000
Delicate and snappy, this white is all finesse as it delivers its apple and citrus accents. Lovely mouthwatering finish. Perfect aperitif. Drink now through 2008. 50 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 86 points.

Riesling Kabinett Bernkasteler Doctor 2000
This starts out soft and rich, yet there's tangy acidity underneath, but not much fruit flavor now. Drink now. 90 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 81 points.

Riesling QbA 2000
Attractive QbA, balanced and focused, with bright flavors of apple, lime and mineral. Drink now. 200 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 84 points.

Schloss Lieser (Mosel valley)
Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Lieser Niederberg Helden 2000
Distinctive almond, spice and slate notes are accented by lime in this elegant, succulent auslese. I like the balance and the lightweight, yet firm, structure. Drink now through 2012. 60 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 90 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Lieser Niederberg Helden 2000
Pure, elegant and laced with stone flavors, this '00 Riesling spätlese offers its unique Mosel charms on a vivid frame. Crisp, appley finish. Drink now through 2010. 300 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 88 points.

Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2000
Like biting into an apple, this is fresh, crisp and on the dry side, with vivid apple and mineral notes. Drink now through 2005. 900 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 86 points.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2000
Tangy, with focused apple and mineral notes on a delicate structure. Drink now through 2006. 600 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 84 points.

Joh. Jos. Prüm (Mosel valley)
Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2000
Beautiful auslese. Aromatic and sumptuous, with everything in the right places, the dense peach, apricot and slate notes tightly wound around the firm structure. A major success in 2000. Best from 2004 through 2015. 500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 92 points / Cellar Selection.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2000
Smoke and slate aromas burst forth in this ultrarefined, filigree Mosel kabinett. Firm and focused, it's forward now, but give it time to integrate. Drink now through 2008. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 88 points.

Dr. F. Weins-Prüm (Mosel valley)
Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2000
A live-wire spätlese, clinging to its tightly wound lime, apple and slate flavors. Shows density and fine harmony, followed by a lip-smacking finish. Drink now through 2012. 330 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 89 points.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2000
Beautiful in its purity and grace, this is a 2000 kabinett expressing the best the vintage has to offer: peach, citrus and slate nuances in a fresh, elegant package. Drink now through 2008. 300 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Erdener Prälat 2000
Rich and full of apricot and citrus notes in an up-front style. Appealing but without the length of the best in this category. Drink now through 2007. 70 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2000
Austere in flavor now with a hint of apple, yet shows a density to its texture and a lithe structure. Drink now through 2007. 50 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 84 points.

Riesling QbA Halbtrocken Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2000
Bright and focused, with an easygoing charm and straightforward apple and mineral flavors. Drink now. 800 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 83 points.

Fritz Haag (Mosel valley)
Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2000
Shows class and harmony. Delicate and transparent, yet packed with peach, apple and lime notes on a vivid frame. Drink now through 2012. 150 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 91 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2000
A beauty. Great clarity and expression of grape and terroir. Fresh, elegant and silky in texture, with a well-integrated structure supporting the peach and slate flavors. Lovely harmony and length. Drink now through 2012. 475 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 91 points / Highly Recommended.

Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2000
A bit chunky and rustic. Compact and densely flavored with peach, herb and earth notes on a solid structure. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through 2010. 25 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002). Score: 90 points.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2000
Lovely. A racy kabinett, pure and focused, expressing cherry, almond and spice flavors with precision balance and finesse. Drink now. 700 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 85 points.

Reinhold Haart (Mosel valley)
Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter Goldtröpfchen 2000
Focused and vivid, offering citrus, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, with an herbal note in the aroma. Fleshy, yet balanced by crisp acidity, it leaves a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2003 through 2012. 525 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002.
Score: 88 points.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter Goldtröpfchen 2000
Crystalline and vibrant in its approach, this '00 kabinett plays its apple, lime and slate flavors with a deft touch. Good lingering finish. Drink now through 2006. 700 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Milz / Laurentiushof (Mosel valley)
Riesling Eiswein Gold Cap Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Trittenheimer Apotheke 2000
Bracing and taut, showing lime, peach and slate flavors etched into a laserlike structure. On the tart side now, so give it some time to integrate. Not imported into the U.S. Best from 2004 through 2015. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 89 points.

Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Trittenheimer Felsenkopf 2000
Like eating a vanilla-orange cream pastry. Lush and silky in texture and backed by good acidity, a juicy mouthful of Riesling. Drink now through 2012. 1,200 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 89 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Trittenheimer Apotheke 2000
Rich and creamy, offering vanilla custard and piecrust accented by citrus, all on a round, moderately firm texture. Fine lingering finish. Drink now through 2008. 2,400 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 88 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Trittenheimer Felsenkopf 2000
Delicate and zippy, this has a slight herbal edge to the peach and citrus notes, ending with an aftertaste of vanilla cream. Nice balance and length. Drink now through 2010. 3,000 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Trittenheimer Leiterchen 2000
Clean and racy, showing ripe apple and mineral flavors on a creamy texture and taut structure. Drink now through 2008. 3,600 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 86 points.

Karthäuserhof (Ruwer valley)

Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg 2000
Attractive flavors of orange and peach, but also mineral and herbal components. Densely textured, this needs time. Drink now through 2005. 2,600 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg 2000
Very pure and well-delineated, unfolding its slate, apple and citrus notes on a wave of bright acidity. This should develop beautifully. Drink now through 2005. 6,000 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 86 points.

Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg 2000
This needs time. Lean and tangy, with lip-smacking acidity, yet there are apple and mineral notes too. Drink now through 2007. 2,500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 85 points.

von Hövel (Saar valley)
Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Oberemmeler Hütte 2000
Rich and creamy, showing peach, spice and mineral flavors and bright acidity underneath it all. Drink now through 2005. 500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 84 points.

Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Balduin von Hövel 2000
Quite sweet, with pear and nectarine notes buoyed by moderate acidity. Lacks harmony. Drink now. 2,000 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 81 points.

Bert Simon (Saar valley)
Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Serrig Herrenberg 2000
A mix of almond and nectarine on a soft, easy framework. Drink now through 2005. 700 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002.
Score: 86 points.

Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Serrig Herrenberg 2000
Plenty of spice, along with almond and mineral notes on a lively frame. Drink now through 2005. 700 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 82 points.

Zilliken - Forstmeister Geltz (Saar valley)
Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Saarburger Rausch 2000
A lean, zippy kabinett, with modest apple and mineral flavors. Drink now through 2005. 600 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 83 points.

Riesling QbA Halbtrocken Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2000
Light and refreshing, with peach and apple notes. Drink now. 600 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 81 points.

Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2000
Bordering on minty, this juicy white shows pizzazz and bright peach and apple flavors with a little mineral on a light-weight frame. A subtle earthy note is kept at bay, but it's there. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,600 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002). Score: 78 points.

Wegeler (Rheingau region)
Riesling Auslese Rheingau Geisenheimer Rothenberg 2000
Beautiful auslese, clean and fresh, sporting bright peach, apple, honey and mineral flavors on a crystal-clear structure. Drink now through 2010. 150 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 90 points.

Riesling Spätlese Rheingau Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland 2000
Focused and snappy, with a vibrant structure buoying the apple and almond notes. There's a creamy texture and spicy aftertaste. Drink now through 2007. 300 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Kabinett Rheingau 2000
Fleshy kabinett that starts off round, then the firm acidity kicks in on the tangy finish. Attractive apple, almond and citrus notes mingle throughout. Drink now through 2007. 250 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 85 points.

Franz Künstler (Rheigau region)
Riesling QbA Halbtrocken Rheingau 2000
Distinctive hot stone and spice notes grace this dense, dry white. Rich, juicy and balanced, with enough acidity to develop over time. Drink now through 2007. 1,065 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Kabinett Rheingau Hochheimer Reichesthal 2000
Illustrates the problems in 2000. A big kabinett, probably auslese in part, exuding attractive honey and apricot notes typical of botrytis. There are also some acetone elements. Just lacks the purity of better years. 930 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 79 points.

Robert Weil (Rheigau region)
Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Rheingau Kiedrich Gräfenberg 2000
Deep reddish amber in color, this sports an apple cider, slightly oxidized aroma, picking up caramel, ginger and orange accents on the palate. A searing, racy structure and intensity from the extract render this awkward now. Difficult to see where its headed, though laudable for its intensity. Not imported into the U.S. Best from 2004 through 2015. 15 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 93 points.

Riesling Auslese Rheingau Kiedrich Gräfenberg 2000
Amber in color, with exotic caramel and apricot flavors backed by searing acidity. It seems to be missing some flesh and concentration midpalate, despite the botrytis and there's an oxidative note. Best from 2004 through 2012. 300 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 88 points.

Riesling QbA Rheingau 2000
Rich, concentrated and youthful, with austere apple and citrus flavors. It has the density and firm structure to come around. 5,000 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 85 points.

Riesling Kabinett Rheingau 2000
Tart today, with lemon, apple and mineral flavors. Good intensity and length, so give it some time to resolve the acidity. Not imported into the U.S. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 85 points.

Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Rheingau Kiedrich Gräfenberg 2000
Difficult to judge. Dark amber, with intense caramel and apricot notes, but the acidity is sharp, sour even, and it falls flat on the finish. There's oxidation here, very atypical for Weil's style. Not imported to the US. Best from 2005 through 2012. 45 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 84 points.

Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken Rheingau 2000
Bone dry, with vivid acidity carrying the ripe apple and mineral notes. It's on the lean side, yet has intensity, too. Drink now through 2008. 2,000 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 84 points.

Gunderloch (Rheinhessen region)
Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Rheinhessen Nackenheim Rothenberg 2000
Plenty of character in this heavily botrytized trockenbeerenauslese. Like autumn woods, it evokes aromas of wet earth, wood smoke and leaves and flavors of citrus, apricot and apple, all packed onto a lean, elegant frame. Multidimensional and long on the palate. Drink now through 2015. 5 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 94 points.

Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Rheinhessen Nackenheim Rothenberg 2000
Heavy botrytis, but focused and clean, with apricot, orange and honey flavors balanced by a vibrant structure. A bit awkward now, it needs time for the elements to come together. Best from 2004 through 2012. 30 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002.
Score: 92 points.

Riesling Beerenauslese Rheinhessen Nackenheim Rothenberg 2000
Elegant and lively in character, yet the apricot, honey and citrus notes are subdued. Slightly one-dimensional now, with a good underlying structure. Drink now through 2008. 10 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 92 points.

Riesling Auslese Rheinhessen Nackenheim Rothenberg 2000
Rich and intense, with a bracing tang, the apricot, mandarin orange and mineral aromas and flavors unfold on a solid structure. Still a bit jarring on the palate, it needs time to reveal all its nuances. Best from 2004 through 2012. 400 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 90 points.

Riesling Spätlese Rheinhessen Nackenheim Rothenberg 2000
Simply delicious. Pineapple, peach and nectarine aromas and flavors ride the delicate framework of this crisp, graceful Riesling. It's dense and punctuated by a smoky, mineral note. Drink now through 2010. 400 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002.
Score: 90 points.

Riesling Kabinett Rheinhessen Jean-Baptiste 2000
Creamy vanilla custard note segues into passion fruit and mineral tones in this balanced, racy kabinett. Really concentrated and crackling. Drink now through 2007. 2,500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 89 points.

Riesling QbA Trocken Rheinhessen 2000
Fresh and focused, this '00 white evokes saturated mineral, apricot, Eastern spices and pineapple in a dry style. Firm and elegant, with a mouthwatering finish. Better in a year. Drink now through 2006. 1,500 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002.
Score: 88 points.

von Buhl (Pfalz region)
Riesling QbA Halbtrocken Pfalz 2000
Tasty and off-dry. Apricot note stays the course through the finish, accented by grapefruit and mineral nuances. Nice lingering finish. Drink now through 2006. 2,600 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87

Riesling Kabinett Pfalz Armand 2000
Rich and round, this medium-bodied kabinett boasts peach and apricot flavors accented by grapefruit. It's a bit heady now, but time should settle it down. Drink now through 2007. 800 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Pfeffingen (Pfalz region)
Rieslaner Beerenauslese Gold Cap Pfalz Ungsteiner Honigsäckel 2000
Brilliant. Light and fresh, yet dense with honey, tropical fruit and spice aromas and flavors, all displayed on a vibrant, gossamer structure. Lovely lingering finish. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through 2008. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 93 points.

Scheurebe Beerenauslese Gold Cap Pfalz Ungsteiner Herrenberg 2000
Thick and packed with honey, apricot and citrus notes, becoming more elegant and ethereal toward the finish. A bright structure supports the richness and flavors, ending in a long, mouthcoating finish. Drink now through 2008. 40 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 91 points.

Scheurebe Auslese Gold Cap Pfalz Ungsteiner Herrenberg 2000
Very exotic, with a touch of the sweaty and vegetal in the aromas, but then turns pure and focused on the palate, full of honey, apricot, passion fruit and orange nuances. Through it all, it remains elegant. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through 2007. 40 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 90 points.

Scheurebe Spätlese Pfalz 2000
Rich and powerful, on the dry side, offering intense mango, passion fruit and spice notes backed by a firm structure. This should work very well with Asian dishes. Drink now through 2005. 580 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 88 points.

Gewürztraminer Spätlese Pfalz 2000
On the austere side, and quite dry, this Gewürztraminer has concentrated flavors of litchi, white pepper, apricot and mineral, on a medium-bodied frame. It's subtle nature and deft balance will match well with food. Drink now through 2005. 500 cases made. (BS) Web Only (2002). Score: 87 points.

Riesling Spätlese Trocken Pfalz Ungsteiner Herrenberg 2000
Deep gold, with ripe apricot, spice and citrus notes, this dry Riesling feels oily on the palate, but not heavy. There's enough acidity for balance, with a moderate finish. Drink now through 2005. 840 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002. Score: 87 points.

Riesling Spätlese Trocken Pfalz Ungsteiner Weilberg 2000
Lush dry Riesling, up-front in its apricot, tangerine and spice flavors that integrate deftly with the soft structure and rich texture. Drink now through 2005. (BS)Apr 30, 2002Score: 87 points.

Riesling Spätlese Pfalz 2000
Fresh apricot flavor marks this ripe, soft Riesling. As it unfolds, the acidity perks it up, prolonging a citrus finish. Open-knit texture. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through 2005. (BS) Web Only (2002) Score: 86 points.

Riesling QbA Trocken Pfalz 2000
Big, ripe and spicy, this dry Riesling exhibits peach, white pepper and floral aromas and flavors on a medium-bodied, moderately firm structure. Tails off on the finish. Drink now through 2005. 1,665 cases made. (BS) Apr 30, 2002.
Score: 85 points.

Rudi Wiest Selections
by Cellars International, Inc.
phone 760.566.0499 - info@germanwine.net - fax 760.566.0533

Copyright © 1993 - 2005