2016 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #5

Christophe Schaefer’s AP #5 Spätlese from the Domprobst vineyard shows a bit more of a tropical fruit edge than the AP #10 version, which just adds an additional layer of complexity to both the nose and palate. The bouquet is pure and totally captivating, wafting from the glass in a blend of fresh pineapple, tangerine, a touch of pear, complex slate minerality, bee pollen and a discreet floral topnote redolent of lilacs. On the palate the wine is pure, fullish and utterly complete, with a superb core, great focus and grip, impressive backend mineral drive and a very long, dancing and filigreed finish. This exudes the elegance of the 2016 vintage, but retains an extra element of energy to unfold with bottle age that will help it just outpace the very lovely AP #10 Domprobst Spätlese. Gorgeous wine. 2022-2055+. View From The Cellar 94.