Alfred Merkelbach, Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese, Mosel

at the home of two dogs, with friends old and new : golden straw color. Nose heavily floral, with hint of ginger. Palate rich texture, layered; nice acidity providing lift; off-dry but overall in a pleasant/balanced fashion, light botrytis. Still vibrant and a lovely drink. 93 pts

Clear, pale golden color. Clean aromas of tropical fruits, bananas, stone fruits. off-dry, light bodied, medium plus acidity. flavors of bananas, honeysuckle, apricots and peaches. long finish.

Sweet apples and some must on the nose. Coats the mouth very well with good viscosity and glycerin action. Not too sweet or too fresh, there's just a good amount of fat on entry and into the mid-palate as the sweet apple and apricot surround. Sports a nice, graceful finish with some acidity and very low oak tannin showing. Medium persistence.

If someone is buying this for $15 they are lucky. Expect the new prices to be much higher. We have had the 2002; now we tried the 2005. I have a soft spot for this location. This wine is so pale it is almost colourless, nose of petrol and minerality, in the mouth not overstated, complex and subtle, layers of tropical fruit and minerality, good acidity with balancing sweetness.