A generic Diel 2011 Riesling Kabinett delivers engagingly-juicy fresh apple and grapefruit backed by impeccably-judged sweetness and suffused with flowers and fine herbs. There is a sorbet-like sense of metaphorically cooling refreshment here, while the cut of apple skin and bite of apple pip add invigoration to a delicate, sappy finish. Enjoy this anytime over the next 6-8 years. Given the lovely stylistic template presupposed here and the Diels’ successful execution within its parameters, is it any wonder that their single-vineyard Kabinetts of the vintage are deliciously and (even if not by prevalent German metrics) profoundly successful? Caroline Diel is now the mother of two, but shows every intention and indication of personally staying on top of her estate’s viticulture. In collaboration with long-time cellarmaster Christoph Friedrich, she is both perpetuating and further refining the styles of wine that have come to characterize and enhance the long-standing reputation of Schlossgut Diel. Picking began in the last week of September and most of the top Rieslings were harvested already in the first week of October, by which point there was a significant amount of botrytis, happily largely noble, most of it picked-out in parallel with the fruit for the Grosse Gewachse. Wisely, I think – as heaven knows they have an austere side as is – the Diels elected for the sake of moderating alcohol to leave a bit more residual sugar behind this year than usual in their Grosse Gewachse. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300