2001 Strub Niersteiner Paterberg Spatlese
Day 1... This takes a bit to come to life, and then shows slate and honeyed nose (which seems to be just beginning to oxidize, with a hint of sherry). I’m not quite sure what to make of this, it seems a bit disjointed, even a bit boring despite its big body and big acidity. It has a creamy mid-palate and a good (but not great), puckering finish along with a mildly off-putting bitter note which I’ve found in other Strubs. Disappointing. Drink up. 85 pts. Froze the second part the bottle, and on...
Day 2... This is much better today, it has come together and tastes much more seamless and suave, with nothing oxidized when served nicely chilled (as the wine warms, I get those sherry elements again). So, it needs to be served cold to keep it in focus. This is now more 2001-esque with it's big fruit married to crunchy, exhilarating acidity. Still has a slightly bitter note (almost burnt orange), but it's held in check behind the abundance of mouth-coating melon, citrus and honey. 89-90 pts.
2001 Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese*
Good stuff. Has a fairly quiet nose of steel and lime. Good minerality to balance the creamy richness, with some of that 2001 acidic snap-crackle-pop on the end. Pretty Mosel with floral and vanilla to go with its minerals and a hint of petrol. Very nice, just shy of exciting, but quietly excellent. I'd drink now. 90-91 pts.
2001 Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese
This is very similar to the WS Spatlese*, but it is holding up a bit better with slighlty higher acid and definitely a deeper bass note of auslese richness. This is lovely, fully resolved and yes, it seems to be softening from when I last tried this wine a few years ago. I still like it for its classy and classic flavors, for being sweet without any heaviness, for being a true Mosel... but I plan on drinking these soon. 91 pts.
