WTN: 2001 Leitz Klosterlay Riesling QbA

[David M. Bueker]

2001 Weingut Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Klosterlay Riesling - Germany, Rheingau (12/8/2014)
The wonder that is this $9 wine continues 13 years from the vintage. I might be tempted to call this fully mature, though it has a long plateau to surf on before any signs of a decline might emerge. The fruit has developed just a hint of a singe around the edges, and the sweetness is indeed backing down. It's a fabulous food wine at this point, yet remains completely satisfying as an aperitif or after dinner. This lives on as a wow wine.

I am still trying to track down the 2012 vintage of said wine . I wonder how long I should keep the two previous vintages after your note here David?

[David M. Bueker]

Bob,

The Klosterlay is always ready for drinking. What it also has is suprising ageability for a relatively basic wine. So you can drink your bottles or hold them. You will be fine either way.

That being said, I think the 2001 is a special bottle. The 2012 approaches it, but I doubt any version will ever surpass it.

Didn't realize there was still a Leitz Klosterlay qba, but always enjoy the Kab as well-priced and fun.
As great as the vintage is on many levels, the amazing showings of wines on the supposed "low end" from 2001 remains astonishing.

[David M. Bueker]

There isn't a QbA anymore. I was referring to the Kabinett. If Bob has access to a non-Kabinett I would love to know about it.

Do post-2001 vintages of this wine (kabinett or QbA) have that amazing cherry fruit?

[David M. Bueker]

Some vintages do. Some vintages do not. The 2012 does.