2005 Münsterer Pittersberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs

Stefan Rumpf's son Johannes has begun to aid his parents and may have helped them achieve a bit more consistency of quality in the 2005s. These are certainly slightly better than the 2004s were but still do not fully reflect the ambition of this estate, which owns some of the finest sites in Munster-and now, with the Scharlachberg, across the Nahe river in Rheinhessen as well. Although some prefer the richer and perhaps more complex wines from the Dautenpflanzer vineyard, I generally give my higher marks to the nutty, mineral-salt character of the Pittersberg. (Terry Theise) Also recommended: 2005 Munsterer Dautenpflanzer Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewachs (87), 2005 Munsterer Rheinberg Riesling Kabinett (85), 2004 Pinot Noir "M" (86), 2004 Pinot Noir "R" (88). Other wines tasted: 2005 Munsterer Dautenpflanzer Riesling Kabinett Trocken, 2005 Binger Scharlachberg Spatlese Trocken.