An attempt to harvest B.A. in the same site resulted in fruit with a quality of botrytis insufficiently clean to satisfy Richter, whereas his 2008 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is surprisingly tart and spare for its Pradikat. That said, its amalgam of pit and citrus fruits is bright and distinctively herb- and mineral-tinged, finishing with energy and enticingly savory salinity. Certainly there is 20-25 years of potential here, and I suspect the wine was a bit seized-up by a merely temporary slight reduction on the day I saw it. “We had the November weather in October, and the lovely October weather in November,” says Dirk Richter of 2008, thereby essentially explaining his harvest strategy. He ameliorated acidity through skin contact; nature helped by precipitating tartrates; and nonetheless, some wines were de-acidified already as must. Richter is pleased to characterize the results as “classic Mosel Rieslings,” and since Richter spends a great deal of time promoting his wines in the U.S. I am happy to be able to concur in that description, even if some of his 2008s are only modestly successful. Richter admits that this collection is likely at least for the short term to be overshadowed by those on either side of it, but speculates that the 2008s will have their day if given time. Importer: Langdon-Shiverick Cleveland,?OH; tel. (216) 861-6800

This bright white is laced with apple and lime sorbet, with a kiss of peach. Elegant and supple, firming up on the long, cleansing finish. Shows fine balance and clarity. Drink now through 2026. 250 cases made.??–BS??Region: Germany / Mosel Select to Add

The ideal balance of rich botrytis, opulent fruit and fine acidity. A wine to treasure as, with time, it will acquire a beautiful creamy texture.