Last Spring we had the opportunity to scoop up some half bottles of 2008 Muller Catoir Haardter Burgergarten Riesling Auslese. Rated 97 points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, we figured it would be a great wine to have in stock for the Winter Holidays. That time is now upon us and we were right!
After a tasting the other night, we noticed the beauty of this wine is its complexity and versatility. As an Auslese, it's primarily thought of as a sweet aka desert wine?and it can be. Enjoyed after a meal on its own or with some strong cheese. But like Sauternes, many craved a pairing with foie gras as a first course. The amazing thing was that the wine though full and expansive on the palate, seamlessly glided over the tongue and as a table wine could pair easily with pork, veal or lamb curries, duck à l'orange, and even rich dishes with monkfish or crab.
Just remember not to serve the wine too cold or you may not be able to experience all this gem has to offer. We found an array of citrus on the nose including lemon oil, lime zest and grapefruit, as well as notes of orange blossom, melon and even banana. Flavors of pears and peach preserve quickly morphed into a wave of honey, caramel and marzipan. Simultaneously the wine resonated with a core minerality, and the long finished faded out with some smokiness, nutmeg and clove, and a hint of salinity.
This wine can be enjoyed now in its primary glory but won't fail to impress over the next couple decades. A perfect selection for the cellar, the holiday festivities, or as a killer stocking stuffer, this exceptional wine is normally offered at $49.99 per half bottle. Call your sales broker at 800.946.3947 and mention this article to get a special holiday price of $39.99.
We look forward to hearing from you!