Tasted two outstanding Rieslings from Schloss Johannisberg in the
Rheingau yesterday. Both were from the 2004 vintage.

The first was a regular Kabinett, and one of the best Rieslings I've
had in a long time. Light body, colour of pale straw yellow with
slightly green tints and very nice floral and citrus zest
characteristics in the nose. Good acidity with a clean, lengthy finish.


The second one was even better, a Spätlese. This one also had a fairly
light body with a pale gold colour and intense honey and pear aromas
and citrus flavours on the palate. A little sweeter than the last, but
with enough acidity to keep a good balance and prevent a cloying taste,
with a similarly refreshing, lengthy finish.

Also opened a bottle of Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Riesling from 2005 a
few days before that. This was very good, but not quite in the same
league as the Schloss Johannisberg ones. For the price though
(something like 24 Sing. dollars), a damn good buy - pale yellow, with
a fairly strong nose of citrus and a flinty, minerally taste. Good
finish too, although this one was a bit too acidic.

Salil