2006 Riesling Scharzhofberger Kabinett

Few estates in Germany are making as much wine at such a high quality level as Kesselstatt. With first-class vineyards on the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer, a renovated cellar, and Wolfgang Mertes as their new winemaker, the estate's last two vintages here have been impressive. I especially like their off-dry kabinetts and succulent Grosses Gewachs, but these wines are seldom seen in the States. However, the number of fine kabinetts and spatleses in the classical style is almost unending-and the two recently released TBAs from 2005 are mind-blowing (I rated the Josephshofer 97 and the Scharzhofberger 98 points). For well-distributed wines that you are likely to find, this label has become a sure bet. (Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK) Also recommended: 2006 Kaseler Kehrnagel Riesling Kabinett Feinherb (87), 2006 Josephshofer Riesling Kabinett Feinherb (88), 2006 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett (87), 2006 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett (87+), 2006 Josephshofer Riesling Kabinett (87+), 2006 Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Spatlese Erste Lage (89), 2006 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Grosses Gewachs (89), 2006 Wiltinger Gottesfuss Riesling Grosses Gewachs (89), 2006 Josephshofer Riesling Beerenauslese (93).