WTN: 10 year old Muskateller

2001 Kurt Darting Durkheimer Steinberg Muskateller Kabinett, from the same batch recently re-discovered in my off-site cellar. I don't remember buying this as I usually stuck to Rieslings and Scheurebes. Color was medium amber and glowed with a brilliant brassy-golden color. Nose and palate were similar with pear and slight petrol but the palate added a spiceyness to the pear fruit. Reminded me of a Pinot Gris on the nose. Excellent acidity that had a nice clean cut so that the finish was quite dry but there was some R.S., maybe 2-3%. My only bottle and no doubt at peak now.

[David M. Bueker]

Interesting. I normally do not let Darting's Muskatellers age, as I love their youthful perfume.

i had an older muller catoir once that was really wonderful; but i agree that younger is usually better.

Hi Jim,

I have never tasted such an old Muskateller. I'm with David -they hardly even see the autumn of the following vintage at my house (though I've had a couple of 2-3 year old Deiss and Weinbach Muscat, and Becker Muskateller that were excellent and I'd bet that the Zind-Humbrecht style would age too.) Muskateller for Spring and Summer, Gewürztraminer for Fall and Winter is how I play. Interesting that it would go Pinot Gris on you.

Cheers,
Bill

Hi Jim -

Thank you for the great note. As it so happens, I actually had this exact same wine early last year, and enjoyed it then. Glad that you liked it, too.
I was similarly concerned that a 2001 Muskateller might be past its peak in 2010, but for just a few dollars on closeout, it seemed like a chance worth taking.

Interesting. just had the Müller Catoir Muskateller trocken 2001. I always loved this ones over the years. It still is remarkably fresh, but the fruit is turning to pink grapefruit now, and the nose less floral. Past its prime by a few years, but still a joy for me.

Peter