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Wine Spectator - 2003 vintage

2003
Vintage
Statistics

POINT
AVG

Points

98

96

95

94

93

92

91

90

89

88

not
yet

Frequency

 

                 

Quick access:
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|Milz - Laurentiushof | Mönchhof | Pfeffingen | Prüm, J.J. | Schäfer-Fröhlich | Bert Simon |
| Wegeler Mosel | Wegeler Rheingau | Weins-Prüm | Weil | Zilliken |


Mönchhof - Robert Eymael (Mosel valley)

Mönchhof 2003 Riesling Spätlese Ürziger Würzgarten
This shows freshness, nicely framing the peach, apricot and orange flavors. The texture is open-knit and there’s persistence through the lingering finish. Drink now through 2015. –B.S.
Score: 88 points | $25 | NA cases produced

Mönchhof 2003 ASTOR Riesling Kabinett Ürziger Würzgarten
Like biting into a McIntosh apple, this is ripe and flavorful with a tiny bite of acidity. Floral and peach notes round out the flavor spectrum. A sweet-and-tart character here. Drink now through 2008. (BS)
Score: 87 points | $20 | NA cases produced


Wegeler (Mosel valley)

J. Wegeler 2003 Riesling Auslese Bernkasteler Doctor
Light on its feet yet packed with flavor, this delicate auslese exudes passion fruit, peach and lime flavors supported by vibrant acidity. The finish picks up a ripe Bartlett pear note.
Drink now through 2020. --B.S.
Score: 94 points

J. Wegeler 2003 Riesling Spätlese Bernkasteler Doctor
Light in texture and lively, this Riesling shows plenty of floral, peach and lime aromas and flavors. It seems lightweight, though it’s rich and concentrated. Fine apple aftertaste.
Drink now through 2015. –B.S.
Score: 90 points | $45 |

J. Wegeler 2003 Riesling Spätlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr
A broad, rich Spätlese, with spice and mineral notes underlying peach and citrus. Nicely balanced and tasty, with good concentration and length. Drink now through 2015. –B.S.
Score: 89 points | $30 |

J. Wegeler 2003 Riesling Spätlese
Here’s a vibrant, citrus and mineral tinged white still unevolved, yet with a firm structure and moderate density to its peach and mineral flavors.
It shows promise for the future best from 2006-2015. –B.S.
Score: 89 points | $24 |

J. Wegeler 2003 Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr
This starts out round and creamy, with almond and peach notes on a structure that clamps down on the finish. Drink now through 2008. (BS)
Score: 87 points | $20 |


Schloss Lieser (Mosel valley)

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling Auslese** Lieser Niederberg Helden
Concentrated, yet lightweight and fresh, with peach and almond notes riding the moderate structure to a very good finish. Better up front than the finish. Needs time. Similar in character, but more concentrated than the “regular” Auslese.—B.S. Wine Spectator Insider Dec. 15, 2004
Score: 93 points | $48 / 375ml | NA cases made

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling Auslese Lieser Niederberg Helden
Bright and focused, this combines concentration and elegance to usher its apricot, peach and mineral flavors gracefully across the palate, picking up a licorice note on the finish. Fine balance and length. Drink now through 2020. --B.S.
Score: 93 points

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling Spätlese Niederberg Helden
Very open, with a gossamer texture, and a slightly petillant character still, with fine slate aromas and flavors augmented by peach and spice notes. Focused and sleek as 2003 goes, this needs time. Best from 2006 through 2018. (BS)
Score: 92 points | $28 | NA cases made

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling Spätlese Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr
Brilliant ’03. Lively, this exhibits well defined flavors is slate, black currant, herb and mineral matched to a succulent structure. It’s well balanced, though on the soft side, with a graceful finish. Drink now through 2015. (B.S.)
Score: 91 points | $30 | NA cases made

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling Spätlese
Gorgeous aromas and flavors of peach, lime and slate highlight this seductive, opulent ’03 Riesling. Balanced and pure, with an immediate appeal and fine balance. Long finish. (B.S.)
Score: 92 points | $25 | NA cases made

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling Kabinett
Fine slate aromas and flavors in this opulent ’03 Riesling, whose talcum powder and peach notes lend an exotic cast to this ripe white. It tails off a little on the finish. Drink now through 2008. (B.S.)
Score: 88 points | $20 | NA cases made

Schloss Lieser 2003 Riesling
Laced with mineral, peach and a hint of passion fruit, this white has intensity matched to a lightweight frame, with balance and grace. Good, lingering finish. Drink now through 2012. -B.S.
Score: 89 points | $15 | NA cases made


Joh. Jos. Prüm (Mosel valley)

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Graacher Himmelreich
This is really singing today. Floral, apricot and mineral notes burst from the glass. Silky and impeccably balanced. Very concentrated, yet lightweight and elegant, with a fresh aftertaste. Should be brilliant in about 20 years. Drink now through 2025.—B.S.
Score: 96 points

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Wehlener Sonnenuhr
Very clean and focused, with an intensity that belies its delicate profile. Wonderful aromas and flavors of apricot, flowers and slate, with pinpoint balance and a long, almost salty aftertaste. This is deceptive and completely disarming in its appeal. Drink now through 2030.—B.S.
Score: 95 points

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Auslese Graacher Himmelreich
Terrific auslese. Pure, vibrant and elegant, with a panoply of peach, lime and slate aromas and flavors matched to a seamless frame. Lovely aftertaste of baked apple and vanilla. Drink now through 2025. --B.S.
Score: 94 points

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr
Stunning. Very aromatic and expressive, offering rose, apricot, lime and mineral notes allied to a clear, gossamer frame. It's well-balanced, though soft in structure and forward today. It should pick up more intensity on the finish with age. Best from 2008 through 2028. --B.S.
Score: 94 points

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Spätlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr
Young and unevolved, yet this shows remarkable clarity and delicacy for 2003. Very silky in texture and bright, framing the apricot, lime and slate flavors nicely. Very harmonious, with a long lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2020.-B.S.
Score: 92 points

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Spätlese Graacher Himmelreich
Aromatic, this Riesling shows delicacy and balance in its floral, apricot, and citrus nodes. It’s airy and appealing, with a mouthwatering tanginess. Drink now through 2020. –B.S.
Score: 91 points

J. J. Prüm 2003 Riesling Kabinett Wehlener
Extremely fragrant, expressive and beautifully put together, offering peach, lime, slate and a hint of quinine flavors. Firm and balanced, it should age well into the next decade. Drink now through 2015. -B.S.
Score: 90 points | $ 28


Dr. F. Weins-Prüm (Mosel valley)

Dr. F. Weins-Prüm 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Wehlener Sonnenuhr
There’s definitely a sense of botrytis in this backward, concentrated auslese. Lush yet not thick, dense yet transparent and light, it seemingly defies gravity with its apricot, honey, citrus and licorice notes, all seamlessly flowing across the palate. Terrific Riesling. Drink now through 2030.—B.S.
Score: 97 points

Dr. F. Weins-Prüm 2003 Riesling Spätlese Graacher Himmelreich
Lovely, Vibrant, elegant and full of peach and lime notes, this remains balanced and flavorful from start to finish. It borders on Mango and Guava before ending with a juicy sensation. Drink now through 2015.-B.S.
Score: 90 points

Dr. F. Weins-Prüm 2003 Riesling Spätlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr
Rich and fleshy, there is a bright structure in this ’03 Riesling supporting the peach and wine notes. There’s an airy texture and moderate length on the finish. Drink now through 2012. -B. S.
Score: 89 points

Dr. F. Weins-Prüm 2003 Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr
Lush, medium-bodied and ripe, with peach and floral notes, this turns crisp and appley midpalate through the finish. Like Jekyll and Hyde today, though the flavors are attractive. Drink now through 2008. –B.S.
Score: 88 points


Fritz Haag (Mosel valley)

Fritz Haag 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr (AP 9)
This is delicious. Ripe and juicy, it bursts with peach, floral and lime aromas and flavors. It's nicely balanced and despite its richness, shows a delicate frame typical of the Mosel. Long finish. Drink now through 2018. --B.S.
Score: 93 points

Fritz Haag 2003 Riesling Kabinett Brauneberger Juffer
Jasmine, citrus and peach notes up front, then this white turns crisp and astringent on the finish. Drink now through 2010.
Score: 87 points | $25 |


Reinhold Haart (Mosel valley)

Reinhold Haart 2003 Riesling Auslese Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Erste Lage
A gorgeous Auslese, ripe and rich, though it remains very pure and well-defined. The flavors range from peach and black currant to herbs and minerals, all lacy and luxuriating on the succulent texture. Fine length too.—B.S. Wine Spectator Insider Dec. 15, 2004
Score: 93 points | $40 | NA cases made

Reinhold Haart 2003 Riesling Spätlese Piesporter Goldtröpfchen
Rich and concentrated, with purity to its apricot, peach and slate flavors, this is balanced on the soft side, yet retains a freshness and intensity. Fine length. Drink now through 2018. –B.S.
Score: 90 points | $35 | NA cases made

Reinhold Haart 2003 Riesling Spätlese Wintricher Ohligsberg
Very ripe, exhibiting anise and vanilla notes along with peach and nectarine, this is broad and accessible, with a moderately firm structure. Drink now through 2012. (BS)
Score: 88 points | $35 | NA cases made

Reinhold Haart 2003 Riesling Spätlese Piesporter
An elegant, ripe Riesling, this displays peach, lime and a hint of ginger on a round, vibrant frame. There’s a tactile sensation on the finish. Drink now through 2015. –B.S.
Score: 88 points | $30 | NA cases made

Reinhold Haart 2003 Riesling Kabinett Piesporter
A big, rich kabinett, this is packed with floral, cream, vanilla and apricot notes, all displayed on an open yet dense profile. More like a big spätlese or auslese, but delicious and lingering, with a citrus aftertaste.—B.S.
Score: 90 points | $20 | NA cases made

Reinhold Haart 2003 Riesling Haart to Heart
Tasty apricot and peach notes, tinged with citrus up front, on a round frame; tails off a little by the finish, but exhibits fine balance. An ideal summer quaff. Drink now through 2010. -B.S.
Score: 89 points | $16 | NA cases made


Milz / Laurentiushof (Mosel valley)

Milz-Laurentiushof 2003 Riesling Spätlese Trittenheimer Felsenkopf
A big Mosel spätlese, rich and creamy, with lime and slate notes holding court before the vibarnt acidity kicks in. Pure in flavor and lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2016. (BS)
Score: 89 points | $29 | NA cases made

Milz-Laurentiushof 2003 Riesling Spätlese Trittenheimer Leiterchen
Young and refreshing with a hint of CO2, this delivers lime and peach notes on a lightweight profile. Clean, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2015. - B.S.
Score: 89 points | $26 | NA cases made

Milz-Laurentiushof 2003 Riesling Kabinett Piesporter Hofberger
Dense and packed with citrus notes, this kabinett has enough structure to keep it all focused and persistent, despite its opulent profile.—B.S.
Score: 90 points | $20 | NA cases made


Karthäuserhof (Ruwer valley)

Karthäuserhof 2003 Riesling Auslese (Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg)
Creamy and round, with a freshness despite the soft structure. The peach, lime and vanilla notes are pure and enticing, ending in a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2018. -B.S.
Score: 91 points | $39 | NA cases made

Karthäuserhof 2003 Riesling Spätlese Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg
Almost bone-dry, this offers grapefruit and floral notes focused by a sharp acidity. It finishes on the short side. Drink now through 2009. (BS)
Score: 87 points | $30 | NA cases made

Karthäuserhof 2003 Riesling Kabinett (Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg)
A delicate 2003 Kabinett, exhibiting peach, citrus and orange notes on a moderately firm structure. Clamps up on the finish, detracting a littel from its overall appeal. Drink now through 2012. -B.S.
Score: 88 points | $32 | NA cases made

Karthäuserhof 2003 Riesling (Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg)
A mix of apple, peach and lime notes sits brightly on the lightweight frame of this delicate, focused white. Harmonious and flavorful, fading nicely. Drink now through 2010. -B.S.
Score: 88 points | $20 | NA cases made


von Hövel (Saar valley)

von Hövel 2003 Riesling Spätlese Oberemmeler Hütte
Fresh and vibrant, this reveals plenty of mineral notes along with peach and lime. Balanced, yet a little tight right now, it has elegance and a long finish. Drink now through 2015.-B.S.
Score: 89 points | $26 | NA cases made

von Hövel 2003 Riesling Spätlese Scharzhofberger
A mineral character pervades this apricot and orange flavored white. It’s concentrated and intense, with a crisp, bright sensation on the finish. More delicate and gossamer than many ‘03’s. Drink now through 2012. –B.S.
Score: 89 points | $26 | NA cases made

von Hövel 2003 Riesling Kabinett Oberemmeler Hütte
Is this 2003? Almost racy, here’s an opulent Riesling with a fine, vibrant structure and intense flavors of lime, peach and mineral. Perhaps not the length of a great year like 2001, but very expressive.—B.S.
Score: 90 points | $20 | NA cases made

von Hövel 2003 Riesling Balduin von Hövel
Aromatic and well defined, with red currant, red berry and floral flavors gracing the elegant, light body. More impressive up front now, with a slight astringency on the finish. Drink now through 2010. -B.S.
Score: 88 points | $15 | NA cases made


Bert Simon (Saar valley)

Bert Simon 2003 Riesling Auslese * Gold Cap Serrig Würtzberg
This "one star" offers a tad more intensity and concentration than the estate’s Gold Cap, with fresh peach, kumquat and cinnamon notes. Unevolved, with fine clarity and integration, this has a long life ahead. Excellent length on the finish. Best from 2008 through 2030. From Germany.—B.S.
Score: 97 points

Bert Simon 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Serrig Würtzberg
A nascent auslese, very fresh, concentrated and marked by honey, peach, licorice and mineral notes. It’s intense and extremely young with terrific balance and a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit cocktail. Best from 2008 through 2025.—B.S.
Score: 96 points

Bert Simon 2003 Riesling Auslese Serrig Herrenberg
Very exotic, showing floral, pear and apple aromas and flavors and fine concentration allied to a lightweight frame. Needs a little time to really sing, yet it's delicious now.
Drink now through 2025. --B.S.
Score: 95 points

Bert Simon 2003 Riesling Spätlese Serriger Würtzberg
Floral and firm, this Riesling shows concentrated rose, lime and peach notes on a firm structure. Turns pinched on the finish.
Drink now through 2012.-B.S.
Score: 88 points


Zilliken (Forstmeister Geltz) (Saar valley)

Zilliken 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap Saarburger Rausch
Wonderful clarity and expression of pear and apple flavors here, along with a seamless structure and texture. Honey and a touch of mineral on the finish ground out the flavor profile. Fine length too. Drink now through 2020.—B.S.
Score: 95 points

Zilliken 2003 Riesling Kabinett Saarburger Rausch
Bold and medium-bodied, this pushes the ripeness level, with tropical fruit and a white pepper element. It's a little coarse on the finish, where it tails off. Drink now through 2008. (BS)
Score: 87 points | $20 |


Wegeler (Rheingau region)

Wegeler 2003 Riesling Spätlese Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland
Very attractive flavors of peach, apricot and lemon mark this moderately structured Riesling. Not the clarity and harmony of the best in this category, but may just need time to settle down.
Drink now through 2015. –B.S.
Score: 89 points

Wegeler 2003 Riesling Kabinett, Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg
A mix of mineral and spice complements the apple and peach in this open, forward Riesling. Intense on the finish. Drink now through 2012. -B.S.
Score: 88 points | $22

Wegeler 2003 Riesling halbtrocken / medium-dry
Light, refreshing and fruity, with grapefruit, peach and apple notes minling on the vibrant structuree, Subtle yet long. Drink now through 2010. -B.S.
Score: 88 points | $17


Franz Künstler (Rheigau region)

Franz Künstler 2003 Riesling Spätlese Hochheimer Kirchenstück
Tasting more like a Mosel '03, this is floral, with lime and slate notes on an airy testure. Lovely wine, with zip and balance, if atypical for the Rheingau. Drink now through 2015. B.S. 01/2005
Score: 93 points | $38 | NA cases made

Franz Künstler 2003 Riesling Kabinett Hochheimer Reichestal
A beauty. Ripe and fleshy, yet harmonious and dense, this Riesling evokes floral, peach and nectarine notes on a vibrant structure. Fine length and mouthwatering finish.—B.S.
Score: 90 points | $20 | NA cases made

Franz Künstler 2003 Riesling
Very Mosel in style, with peach, lime and mineral notes, a creamy texture and a light but rich frame overall. Excellent balance and flavors make it enjoyable now, but this should also age well. Drink now through 2012. -B.S..
Score: 90 points | $16 | NA cases made


Robert Weil (Rheigau region)

Robert Weil 2003 Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Kiedricher Gräfenberg
A dramatic contrast between sweetness and acidity and the perfect setting for the dried apricot, spice and honey notes to express themselves. Intense and balanced, this ends with a long, clean finish. Drink now through 2040. (BS) Wine Spectator Web Only 2005
Score: 96 points | $500 / 375ml | NA cases made

Robert Weil 2003 Riesling Beerenauslese, Kiedricher Gräfenberg
Like a tropical fruit marmalade, this is thick and flavorful and kept lively by moderate acidity. Dominated by the sweetness today, it needs time to show a full range of flavors. Best from 2008 through 2030. (BS) Wine Spectator Web Only 2005
Score: 96 points | $245 / 375ml | NA cases made

Robert Weil 2003 Riesling Auslese, Kiedricher Gräfenberg
The Gräfenberg vineyard’s location away from the Rhine River and its higher elevation was an advantage in the hot summer of 2003. The cooler microclimate helped preserve natural acidity. Superfine texture and pure flavors of apricot, orange and honey mark this silky Auslese. Beautifully balanced and full of finesse, this has the structure and concentration to age for decades. Terrific length. —B.S. Wine Spectator Insider Dec. 15, 2004
Score: 96 points | $60 / 375ml | NA cases made

Robert Weil 2003 Riesling Spätlese Kiedrich Gräfenberg
A delicious spätlese, bursting with apricot, orange and vanilla notes, all backed by good acidity. Needs a little time to settle down, but shows elegance, concentration and good length. Best from 2006 through 2015. (BS),
93 points | $60/750ml | NA cases made , Issue: Apr 30, 2005

Robert Weil 2003 Riesling Kabinett
Though the aromas and flavors aren't that expressive now, this white has a tangy quality and a citrus edge that refreshes the palate. A little compact on the finish now. Give it six months to open. Drink now through 2010. -B.S.
Score: 89 points | $28 | NA cases made


Gunderloch (Rheinhessen region)

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), Nackenheimer Rothenberg
Great intensity and resonance here. Thick and sweet, yet elegant, exhibiting passion fruit, apricot and lemon aromas and flavors on a light-bodied, almost ethereal frame. Everything is in the right proportion. Drink now through 2040. (BS)
Score: 99 points | Issue: Mar 31, 2005 | $345/375ml

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling Beerenauslese (BA), Nackenheimer Rothenberg
This is a beauty. Pure and velvety, with pineapple, apricot and orange notes, all well-integrated with the elegant profile and fading gracefully on the finish. Excellent, clean aftertaste of fresh fruit. Drink now through 2025. (BS)
Score: 97 points | Issue: Mar 31, 2005 | $195/375ml

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling Auslese, Nackenheimer Rothenberg
Fine, racy and exhibiting a strong mineral element, sending sparks across the palate with its exotic floral, passion fruit and citrus notes. Light-bodied and sleek for the vintage, with a long, detailed finish. Drink now through 2018. (BS)
Score: 92 points | Issue: Apr 30, 2005 |

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling Spätlese, Nackenheimer Rothenberg
Opulent and concentrated, exhibiting mango, passion fruit and stone aromas and flavors that melt into the fleshy frame. There’s enough acidity to match the richness and keep it focused on the long finish. Drink through 2020.— B.S.
Score: 92 points - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | Issue: May, 2005 | $35

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling Spätlese Diva
Soft at first, but there's density to its peach, pineapple and mineral flavors, and it builds in intensity to a long-lasting finish. Medium-bodied, with a dried fruit and spice aftertaste. Drink now trhough 2018.— B.S.
Score: 90 points | Issue: June, 2005 | $20

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling Kabinett Jean-Baptiste
Firm and focused, showing bright passion fruit and apricot notes accented by mineral. A touch hard on the finish now, but should soften with time. Drink now trhough 2012.— B.S.
Score: 88 points | Issue: June, 2005 | $20

Gunderloch 2003 Riesling dry
Suggestions of passion fruit, pineapple and apricot course through this medium-bodied, vibrant white. Fine balance and harmony coincide with the flavors on a lingering, mouth-watering finish. Drink now through 2008.— B.S.
Score: 89 points | Issue: June, 2005 | $17


von Buhl (Pfalz region)

von Buhl 2003 ARMAND Riesling Kabinett
Generous, with tropical fruit, cream and warm spice aromas and flavors on an inviting, open texture. Everything is in the right proportion, and it lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2009. -B.S.
Score: 88 points | $20 | NA cases made


Pfeffingen (Pfalz region)

Pfeffingen 2003 Riesling Spätlese Ungsteiner Herrenberg
Elegant though there is no shortage of intensity. Lime, grapefruit and white pepper are the main themes, with a little heat tugging in out of balance on the finish. Give this a little time. Drink now through 2015. -B.S.
Score: 89 points | $25 | NA cases made

Pfeffingen 2003 PFEFFO Riesling Kabinett medium-dry
Lush and floral, with tropical fruit and citrus shadings that are well-balanced and integrated. It's medium- to full-bodied, with a crisp, lingering finish Drink now through 2008. (BS)
Score: 87 points | $20 | NA cases made


Schäfer-Fröhlich (Nahe region)

Schäfer-Fröhlich 2003 Riesling Auslese Gold Cap, Bockenauer Felseneck
An element of botrytis lends concentration along with honey, orange peel and spice in this lively, defined auslese. Succulent, it ends with a mouthwatering tanginess. Drink now through 2020.—B.S.
Score: 95 points

Schäfer-Fröhlich 2003 Riesling Auslese, Bockenauer Felseneck
Cinnamon and nutmeg accent the apricot and grapefruit flavors in this dense, open-knit white. It picks up an almond note on the finish. Combines power and grace.—B.S Wine Spectator Insider Dec. 15, 2004
Score: 93 points | $55 / 375ml | NA cases made

Schäfer-Fröhlich 2003 Riesling Kabinett
Bright and aromatic, this Riesling exudes mineral grapefruit and apple aromas and flavors on a delicate, seamless frame. Nice crispness and length. Drink now through 2010. – B.S.
Score: 88 points

 

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