Schmitt Sohne Riesling, 2004

This was given to me a long time ago, from a friend, so I'm not sure of the price. It comes in a really pretty deep blue bottle, and the wine itself is very light in color, very fresh-looking and clear. The one I have is the second bottle from the left, the smaller of the two with the completely blue labels.

From the label:

This medium-bodied Riesling is a well-balanced, off-dry, easy to drink wine. Perfect as an aperitif or to complement foods from pork and ham to fish and poultry.

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2004 Riesling, Product of Germany.

Also labeled with "Qualitatswein b.A." that is often shortened to 'QbA' for a type of wine, apprently made using not-quite-ripe grapes.

I've liked pretty much everything from Mosel-Saar Ruwer, so I had high hopes for this! The smell of it in the bottle wasn't very appealing, but the fragrance from the glass was much fresher. Fruity and clear. The taste was good, too. Fresh and sweet, but not too sweet. A really good wine for me right now, as I've had a raging sweet tooth through the holidays and any other regular wine might taste awfully bitter to me right now! So that was partly my train of thought as I decided which bottle to open this time around. Make it a riesling, as it's probably the sweetest varietal I have on hand.

Not quite sure of the aftertaste of the wine though- almost like an old sponge (which is ewww) but don't get me wrong... it's really not that bad. It's just that I'm not sure what else to compare it to, as I can't quite place it right now. But the taste of the wine itself is very good and clean. And thankfully, that "sponge" taste doesn't linger. It's only a quick passing rush, and then it's gone. Odd, really. Especially when I can't say I've ever actually tasted an old sponge before! It's just what I imagine it tasting like, from the smell. (Although the wine does NOT smell bad at all) In fact, it kind of grows on you.

Probably not selling this one very well... but it is a good one. Good enough, that is. Not what I'd call "the best I've ever had"... but good enough that I will finish the bottle eventually instead of dumping it out.

Web article on German Rieslings

Another review (mentions a "twang"- maybe that's the 'sponge' thing I'm getting)

Company web site: Schmitt-Sohne

Price on web sites: $10