2000 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese
Some discussion elsewhere vis-a-vis rot caused me to grab this bottle. 2000 was the last truly troublesome vintage in Germany, with rain and rot that plagued some areas (and wines) more than others. That being said, it seems to have plagued almost all German Rieslings at least to some degree. This wine is no exception, as behind its sharp, apple/pear fruit lies an earthy, not quite dirty, but I am not sure what element that removes all the sprightly lightness that I love about Mosel Riesling. It comes across heavy at the back end, and leaves a thick palate impression despite the fact that it's not a thick wine. The acidity is somewhat jarring, and remains separate from the body of the wine, really catching, like a cough, at the back of the throat.
A troublesome wine that had slid downhill (badly) since its youth.