Jost 2005 Bacharacher Hahn Riesling Kabinett

A great example of a contemporary German Riesling Kabinett—which means that it isn’t anything like your parents’ Kabinett at all. Global warming has already heated up the slopes along Germany’s wine rivers (the Bacharacher Hahn vineyard is in the stretch of the Rhine called the Mittelrhein) that fewer and fewer grapes come in at the traditionally low sugar levels classified as Kabinett; this one is surely at least in the Spätlese range, numbers-wise, maybe even an Auslese. Whatever: it’s delicious.

The endearing virtue of traditional Kabinette, besides low alcohol, is their charm: fragrant, delicate, inviting, downright cheerful. Jost’s 2005 is still plenty charming, and a delightfully modest 10% alcohol, but it also packs its own kind of punch. The wine gets your attention as soon as it zings the tip of the tongue, then explodes into a mouthful of refreshment. There are peaches and nectarines and even plum-skin flavors—another example of the Riesling grape’s unique ability among white varieties to deliver red fruit. Off-dry, great acid balance, high slurpiness factor. Pairs perfectly with warm weather, with or without food.

Don’t let another summer go by without a Jost Kabinett.

Price: about $20. Importer: Terry Thiese / Michael Skurnik. Alcohol: 10%. Points: Blind Muscat don’t give no stinking points.

Comments

[Bill Mayer]

Just a simple one, Tim. If you want to make Kabinett plural, as I think you did, the German would be Kabinetten. Or English, Kabinetts. Kabinette won't work either way, though it does sound a little like a carnival toy, which might be ok.
And, of course, the wine itself is fully worthy of your praise.

[Blind Muscat]

Good point. I'd even say, I knew that, if anybody would believe me. Just another example of how easy typos are for a fella named Blind Muscat