Tasting coordinator MaryAnn Worobiec has been with Wine Spectator since 1997. Her tasting beats are California Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc and "other" whites.

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An Old Friend to Share with New Ones

Willi Schaefer Riesling Kabinett Mosel Graacher Domprobst 2007

MaryAnn Worobiec
Posted: July 23, 2010

An invite to a weeknight dinner at a friend’s house turned into one of the most interesting and enjoyable nights I’ve had in a long time. I met some new wonderful, warm and funny people and had a meal that hit many terrific notes. And there were great wines to help punctuate the night.

Of the different bottles that were cracked open, my favorite was the Willi Schaefer Riesling Kabinett Mosel Graacher Domprobst 2007 ($29). My colleague Bruce Sanderson (who has the enviable job of reviewing German wines for Wine Spectator) first introduced me to Willi Schaefer wines years ago, and I’ve kept an eye out for their wines ever since. Just a few months ago I ordered a bottle during a visit to the Slanted Door restaurant in San Francisco.

This evening, the wine was the hostess’ pick—she told me Willi Schaefer was her favorite producer from the Mosel. I can understand why. The wine has everything I love in Rieslings: mineral, peach and floral notes and a terrific acidity. It was both elegant and powerful, and perfect with the succulent salmon, sautéed mushrooms and fresh green salad that was served. I rated it 92 points, non-blind.

WineSpectator.com members: Get our quick list of Top Values among German Rieslings.