WTN: Drinking like it’s 1999

[David M. Bueker]

1999 Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Nahe (5/5/2023)
Only been twelve years since I last tried this. Seems prudent to check in. Glad I did, as it’s in a nice place - fully mature, but in no danger of going around the bend. It actually improved quite a lot over the three hours it was open. I might even decant my next bottle. Certainly not for acid freaks, it was more about serenity and depth of flavor. Interestingly the color became lighter the longer it was open, and towards the end it showed a bit more spark. Still pretty typical for the 1999 vintage, which outside of the Saar gave broader wines than typical for German Riesling.

Nice work.

Although not clear that I want to drink like I did when it was actually 1999!

I spent most of that year in Tokyo, so it was mainly Asahi Super Dry in very large quantities, or maybe Hitachino Nest to be fancy. A bit of generic Bordeaux with overpriced cheese when I stayed in, or maybe Blue Nun-level riesling in the blossoms.

But I digress.

Your bottle sounds much better!

[David M. Bueker]

1999 was right around the beginning of my real offline experiences. Crazy times driving up to get together with the Boston crowd. It was also one year after I had joined the serious tasting group that I have been in ever since.

So drinking like it’s 1999 isn’t so bad for me.