Both wines were an excellent match for gnocchi with onions, zucchini, cashews, parsley, and taleggio.
2006 Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Spätlese
Time may be kind to this wine, as it starts out brash juicy and spicy, much like what I remember from several tastes over the past two months. But, with air the Grünhausness is more recognizable with glistening mineral definition and the refreshing elegance becomes more apparent. Let's hope it continues in that direction.
2006 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Spätlese #17
This starts off more floral and tropical, yet at the same time heavy and dull in comparison to the spicy mineral Abtsberg. It is definitely denser and more layered than the Abstberg, appears to have more to chew on, if you want to meditate. I'm not yet convinced by this wine, although it is very early in the lifespan. Still, I'm happy to drink several glasses/bottles..