2002 Mittelheimer St. Nikolaus Riesling Eiswein

Results from two previous vintages left me in no doubt that Andreas and Bernd Spreitzer represent major young Rheingau talents. But in 2002 they turned in a collection breathtaking in its stylistic scope, refinement and clarity - without doubt among the finest of the vintage anywhere. By the end of the first week of October, the Spreitzers already had superbly ripe and in some instances shriveled and botrytized fruit, and most of their best 2002s were harvested before mid-October. "After that, it was no longer possible to harvest botrytis wine," reports Bernd Spreitzer, "although the skins of the healthy grapes were thick enough that they resisted the rain to some degree. "(Terry Theise) Also recommended: 2002 Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Spatlese 303.