Geschwister Simon Ayler Kupp Riesling Spätlese Saar 2005  (Germany, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Saar)
		A top quality classic Riesling. Aromas of honey and ripe stone fruit flow into flavors of peaches and citrus. The refreshing finish leaves flavors of fruit and honey coated nuts on the palate. I have not had a good Riesling in ages and when my sister accompanied me to the wine store. I asked her to pick something. We looked around for something that she was trying to recall, but at the end picked something that looked good. I think we did excellently. Walter (my neighbor) commented that is was a very good Riesling and that usually they have a after taste of mineral/slate, but this one was very well balanced. (He should know, he has travelled to these areas and has tried some of these wines). Buy Factor: Absolutely anytime

A little about German Wines:

What is Qualitatswein mit Prädikat (QmP)?
Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (quality wine with special attributes) must fulfill the following conditions: (a) must be produced exclusively from German produce from recognised roster of grapes grown in one Bereich (district) within one of the 13 specified wine-growing regions that has a declared label, (b) must reach a natural alcohol content as legally prescribed for the region, for the grape and level of ripeness at harvest.

Kabinett? must be made from fully ripened grapes. Usually light wines with a low alcohol content. Excellent with or without meals.

Spätlese? literally means late harvets. So the grapes a riper and hence the wine is more intense in flavor and concentration, but not necessarily sweet. Good with richer, more flavorful foods or just by themselves.

Aulese? made from very selected, very ripe grapes. They are noble wines, intense in bouquet and taste.

Beerenauslese (BA)? made from individually-selected, overripe berries that usually are infected by Botrytis cinerea (noble rot). These are rarities, harvested only when exceptional weather conditions enable the grapes to ripen to this extent. They are notable for their longevity (can be stored for decades). Remarkably rich, sweet dessert wines, or to be enjoyed by themselves.

Eiswein? made from grapes as ripe as BA, but harvested and pressed while frozen. Truly unique wines with a remarkable concentration of fruity acidity and sweetness

Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)? made from individually-selected berries which are overripe (and usually infected by noble rot) and dried up almost to raisins. Rarities. Extraordinary longevity. Rich, sweet, luscious, honey-like wines. BA and TBA may not be harvested mechanically. The individual state governments have the authority to decide whether or not to permit Auslese and Eiswein to be harvested mechanically.

Hmmmm..... who knew... :) Now I do. :)