2001 Niersteiner Orbel Riesling Grosses Gewächs

Alexanderx000D and Utta Michalsky reported high, ripe acidity in their entire crop, althoughx000D must weights in some of the steeper slopes were disappointing due to summerx000D heat stress. Then in January, as thex000D wines were completing fermentation, several of the batches from top sitesx000D launched into a malolactic transformation that was not entirelyx000D beneficial. Judging from the highx000D quality of the ones that got away, one can only wonder at the collection thatx000D might have been. Understandably, thex000D estate was in the process of acquiring some "new" oldfudersand furiously steam-cleaning when I visited. x000D (J. K. Imports, Pasadena, CA)Also recommended: 2001x000D Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling.