94
points
A. Christmann 1999 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Auslese Riesling (Pfalz)
-
$50
This spectacular boutique estate swings for the fences with this unctuous, botrytised, intensely concentrated auslese. Exceptionally clean, with brilliantly vivid tropical fruit, it’s perfectly balanced—powerful yet still elegant. Young and rich, it shows layers of concentrated, ripe fruit that lead to a tightly focused finish. Grab it up while you can.
— P.G.
(12/31/2001)
93
points
A. Christmann 1999 Konigsbacher Idig Spätlese Trocken Riesling (Pfalz)
-
$40
I dig the vineyard, highlighted in big capital letters on the label, which puts the focus on the terroir. The intense spice in this wine literally seems to explode from the glass, accenting the tart fruit. Intense, concentrated and strongly chalky/minerally at its core, this is a thrilling wine of great concentration and power.
— P.G.
(12/31/2001)
93
points
A. Christmann 1997 Konigsbacher Idig Spätburgunder Pinot Noir (Pfalz)
-
$50
This is an astonishing wine, a German Pinot Noir with power, breed, elegance and depth. The fruit is varietal and true, firm and velvety, with layers of bacon, smoke, leather and earth. It is built to age, but already showing great stuff. Thrown into a premier cru Burgundy tasting, this would turn some heads.
— W.E.
(12/31/2001)
91
points
A. Christmann 2003 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Auslese Riesling (Pfalz)
-
$40
Rich, unctuous and low-acid, this Auslese impresses for its weight and sucrosity. Aromas and flavors of marmalade, honey, dried apricot and baked apple finish long and sweet. Despite the relatively low acids, it should age easily for at least the next decade. Imported by Classical Wines.
— J.C.
(5/1/2005)
90
points
A. Christmann 2003 Konigsbacher Idig Trocken Riesling (Pfalz)
-
$60
Quick out of the gate, with vibrant pear, pineapple and apple aromas, then picks up speed, delivering full-throttle apple and citrus flavors all wrapped around a sturdy mineral core. Nicely balanced and long on the finish, leaving a trail of spice and minerals in its wake. Imported by Classical Wines.
— J.C.
(5/1/2005)