Hirschbach & Sohne Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Auslese (75cl, 8%)

A late-harvest German Riesling from the Mosel region, in a 750ml bottle at about 8% ABV. The Piesporter Michelsberg designation refers to a Grosslage, a collective vineyard district surrounding Piesport along the Middle Mosel, where steep slate slopes and a temperate microclimate allow slow ripening. Auslese requires grapes to reach a minimum must weight of 83–100 degrees Oechsle. The grapes are hand-picked at peak ripeness, and fermentation is typically halted before full dryness to preserve residual sweetness balanced by Riesling's acidity. Ripe peach and apricot dominate the nose, with acacia honey, delicate white blossom and subtle minerality. The palate opens with lush stone fruit sweetness, peach nectar and candied apricot, with vibrant acidity keeping it from cloying. The finish is medium-long, with ripe pear and a faint slate-mineral quality.