WTN: 1967 von Buhl Trockenbeerenauslese

[David M. Bueker]

1967 Reichsrat Von Buhl Forster Kirchenstück Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese - Germany, Pfalz (12/26/2016)
This was a birth year bottle for me, and a gracious and generous gift to have it opened for me by a dear friend. Deep raisin-brown color with golden edges, it took a while for the wine to throw off its nearly 50 year time in bottle, but when it did the layers of flavor just kept piling on. At this point it was pretty much an expression of botrytis, but the spice, dried orange, cedar, mint, pine and smoke aromas & flavors were captivating. Each sip was rewarded with a different expression, and the wine sustained and grew right to the point where we finished the bottle. Stunning stuff.

1967 Reichsrat Von Buhl Forster Kirchenstück Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese - Germany, Pfalz (12/26/2016)
This was a birth year bottle for me, and a gracious and generous gift to have it opened for me by a dear friend. Deep raisin-brown color with golden edges, it took a while for the wine to throw off its nearly 50 year time in bottle, but when it did the layers of flavor just kept piling on. At this point it was pretty much an expression of botrytis, but the spice, dried orange, cedar, mint, pine and smoke aromas & flavors were captivating. Each sip was rewarded with a different expression, and the wine sustained and grew right to the point where we finished the bottle. Stunning stuff.

Wow. Nice. And no need to wait for the literal 50th year celebration!

I was able to experience a 1976 Mosel Riesling Spatlese at a party earlier this month due to the generosity of one of the couples at the gathering in Greensboro. I lived in Germany when the '76 wines were on the market but was unable to hold onto any for long-term aging. It is a treat to be able to sample the older Rieslings.

Terrific note David..Happy New Year!

I was able to experience a 1976 Mosel Riesling Spatlese at a party earlier this month due to the generosity of one of the couples at the gathering in Greensboro. I lived in Germany when the '76 wines were on the market but was unable to hold onto any for long-term aging. It is a treat to be able to sample the older Rieslings.

1976 was an exceptionally ripe vintage, with lots of botrytis. That Spaetlese very likely met the must weight requirements for an Auslese.

-Paul W.

Yes, I think it did have Botrytis and was sweeter than a Spatlese would normally be.