RJonWine.com

• By Richard Jennings
  5/2/2009 (link) 90 points

  (Selbach-Oster Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese) Light yellow color; apple nose; light, ripe lemon and peach palate; medium finish 90+ pts.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  8/29/2008 (link)

  (GRAACHER-Himm Selbach-Oster) Graacher Holiday Special Dear Friends, The Labor Day weekend is upon us and with that comes the eventual lament of the end of summer, back to school and the resuscitation of the nose to the grindstone mentality in the US. It is interesting how calendars dictate our outlook, work-ethic and mental state. In summer, it seems to be accepted that working just a little less is desirable - come Labor Day, everything changes. It's only a date on the calendar but the impact from a socio-economic standpoint is enormous. Check statistics regarding productivity during the months of August versus September and you will see what I mean. Instead of lament, I chose to look at the bright side and bask in the memories of another fine summer spent learning and laughing with friends and family - the impending fall schedule looms no matter what we do, so, for this weekend, let's enjoy ourselves. To make the end of summer a little more tolerable, I offer this top-tier wine from the 2007 German vintage priced like a Friday Special. It is one of the rarest wines in the portfolio so take note (there are only 50 cases for the entire US)... ...and what about a comparison? Let's go to the top - the 2007 collection from JJ Prum is the most anticipated since the 2001's. I will give credit where credit is due but what about the prices? Prum has continued to escalate in price (I don't mean Weins Prum) and they are starting to make Donnhoff seem affordable. $30-35 for Kabinett? That is just too much. We're on to something here and I will continue to offer an alternative to JJ Prum's 2007 collection with the same vineyard selection at a far lesser price. Our comparison and Holiday Special comes once again from our friend Johannes Selbach and his top-rate 2007 Graacher-Himmelreich Spatlese. As a holiday weekend send-off, I'm offering this wine for what should be a tarriff that encourages a worthy comparison - same soil, nearly identical elevation in the Graacher vineyard and both vinified by what can be argued as one of the most famous houses in Germany. JJ Prum's 2007 Graacher is $35-45+ - enough said. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for sensible, pro-consumer pricing and support of one of the wine industry's most accomplished (and nicest) family-owned wineries. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price directly from the winery cellar with perfect provenance: 2007 Selbach-Oster Graacher-Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Germ9630