2005 TBA No. 5 Chardonnay

Mittleres Gelbgold. In der Nase feine Gewürzanklänge nach Zimt, Vanilleschoten, gelbe Apfelfrucht, dezenter Kokostouch. Am Gaumen elegant und ausgewogen, nach weißer Schokolade, feine, samtige Textur, das Holz ist perfekt eingebunden. Pikantes Säurespiel, sehr gutes Reifepotenzial.

The 2005 #5 Chardonnay Trockenbeerenauslese Nouvelle Vague is a study in oak as much as Chardonnay or botrytis right now, with spice, vanilla, coconut, and resin all accenting the aromas of tropical fruits and honey. Lovely hints of butterscotch and nutmeg emerge on the palate, where the counterpoint of bright pineapple and grapefruit with creaminess of texture is certainly impressive. But oak spice returns as a dominant theme in the finish, at least for now. Given 9.5 acidity, this wine’s 212 grams of residual sugar are unable to indulge themselves in any superficial display.

91/100 The Wine Advocate / David Schildknecht