2009 Riesling Serriger Schloss Saarsteiner Auslese

Although dry rieslings are not generally what the American market deems worthy of attention, Christian Ebert made surprisingly good examples this year in an otherwise difficult vintage. That said, his kabinetts and spatleses were first-rate as well, with the latter being my favorite in this year's line-up. It is again a classic Saar riesling, combining depth, elegance and that refreshing kick that is the hallmark of 2010. Also recommended: 2010 Pinot Gris (85), 2010 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Trocken Grauschiefer (87), 2010 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Trocken Alte Reben (89), 2010 Riesling Feinherb (86), 2010 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Kabinett Feinherb (86).Other wines tasted: 2010 Pinot Blanc, 2010 Riesling Trocken. (Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK)

Although Christian Ebert has become more consistent over the past few years, Nature seldom deals the producers on the Saar a consistent hand With 2009, though, Ebert upped the ante. Not everything was gold, but the kabinett, spatlese and auslese from the Saarstein site are classics, combining depth, elegance and sheer drinking pleasure. Also recommended: 2009 Serriger Riesling Trocken (85), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Trocken Grauschiefer (87), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Trocken Alte Reben (88), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Kabinett Feinherb (86), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Spatlese Feinherb (86), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule (89), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Eiswein (92), 2009 Serriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Beerenauslese (93). Other wines tasted: 2009 Saarsteiner Pinot Blanc, 2009 Saarsteiner Pinot Gris. (Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK)