The Lithesome, Surprising Pleasure of Federspiel.... Hirtzberger Rotes Tor -- GV 2000, 12% alc.

[kirk wallace]

I thought this was all gone from my cellar, but there was a pale yellow cap among the dark golds of the smaragds. I got to drink this over 2 days and while it was delicious on day 1, immediately from the bottle, it grew more profound and rich by the 2d day. Fully mature, yellow gold color, no fatigue or oxidation on the nose -- yellow flowers, white pepper and wet slate; in the mouth it is surprisingly rich and full for a federspiel, but light on its feet and alive with fruit (pears/yellow apples/ musk melons with some lemon zest), spice and minerals. Length is just wonderful; goes on and on. Gosh, this is really good wine. I wonder how many years more it could go?

 

[Rahsaan]

Federspiel from 2000 that has a long life ahead of it? Sounds good. I know many people have been skeptical of 2000 wines in general and I've had my share of wines on the hard down slope.

 

[kirk wallace]

originally posted by Rahsaan:
Federspiel from 2000 that has a long life ahead of it? Sounds good. I know many people have been skeptical of 2000 wines in general and I've had my share of wines on the hard down slope.

I know; I know. That is why I was so surprised and delighted. I think I posted recently (albeit burried in a post about the 2000 Kellerberg) about a pretty unattractive FXP 2000 Loibner Berg. Anyway, I wouldn't necessarily recommend that anyway go buy a bunch of this, but if you see it at a price you like, either at retail or at a restaurant, I'd say try a bottle. Of course, YMMV.

 

[VLM]

originally posted by kirk wallace:
Gosh, this is really good wine. I wonder how many years more it could go?

Sure it could go, but get better than it was as a younger wine?

 

[kirk wallace]

originally posted by VLM:

originally posted by kirk wallace:
Gosh, this is really good wine. I wonder how many years more it could go?

Sure it could go, but get better than it was as a younger wine?

I have to say that I liked this bottle better than any prior one of these. Seemed more complete; less harsh without being flabby or tired.