Scharzhofberger Kabinett, Weingut Egon Müller 2011

The 2011er Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett offers a stunningly subdued and fresh nose of peach sorbet, grapefruit, floral elements, a touch of smoky slate, and quite some chalky minerals. The wine develops the subtly creamy presence of a Spätlese on the palate but delivers this with incredible precision, off-dry rather than fruity-styled sweetness, and great zest. The finish is finely chiseled, balanced, and elegant. More passion fruit sorbet and a feeling of lightness almost like water), elegance and finesse round off this stunning success. What a great wine! Now-2041

As with its 2010 predecessor, accumulated from several lots - in this instance representing picking across a wide range of parcels to achieve material of sufficiently modest must weight and potential levity - the Muller 2011 Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett (this year's sole wine of its Pradikat, and carrying A.P. #2) weighs in at 9.5% alcohol. High-toned mint and wintergreen in the nose as well as delicacy, lift and animation on the palate remind me of this year's generic Scharzhof bottling. Juicy abundance of fresh apple, pear, and lime are threaded with herbal, floral and stony nuances, culminating in a lusciously sustained, invigoratingly bright and vibrantly animated finish. This should show well through at least 2025.