This medium-bodied, silky-textured, and crystalline wine possesses depth, power, and richness. It is exceptionally well-balanced, and is packed with mineral, pear, apple, and verbena flavors that linger in its long, precise finish. The Hirtzbergers began the tradition of passing in each vineyard multiple times during harvest, picking only the ripest grapes, in 1991. In 1999 it took five such passes (the last on December 1st) to harvest the Riesling Smaragd Singerriedel. Projected maturity: 2005-2017. Bravo! Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700