2005 Riesling Furstentum

Philippe Blanck told me that this estate's 2005s are more minerally than the 2004s-or at least they were more minerally in cask. "They also began very floral, but then started closing down like the 2004s did a year ago," he said. Happily, I was able to retaste a number of the 2005 shortly before going to press with this issue, and to see several '05 grand crus for the first time. Most of the latter wines will not be released for another year or two. (Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; The Stacole Company, Boca Raton, FL) Also recommended: 2005 Pinot Blanc d'Alsace (86), 2005 Riesling (86), 2005 Riesling Rosenbourg (86), 2005 Pinot Gris (86), 2005 Pinot Noir (85). Other wines tasted: 2005 Gewurztraminer*.