2014 Dirler-Cadé Riesling Spiegel Grand cru

I didn’t get to taste the ’14 Spiegel, but as mentioned, its delicacy and elegance is a hallmark that is classy as funk. Based on Ian’s note and the overall quality level of the other ’14 Rieslings I did taste, this should prove to be a knockout.

“Pale straw-green. Initially subdued nose opens with aeration to showcase sweet, spicy almond paste and fruit cocktail aromas. Crisp and clean in the mouth, offering hints of high-toned marmaladey botrytis (about 20% of the berries were hit by noble rot). Vibrant peppery acidity extends the long aftertaste. Fresher and more citrussy than the Kitterlé but also less dense. Good Spiegel Rieslings are characterized by notes of aromatic herbs and are slow to develop. According to Dirler, the greatest Spiegel Rieslings require at least 15 years to finally show all they’ve got, but most people drink them up much sooner.” 92 points Ian D’Agata