2004 von Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte, Spatlese
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
$18

To compare with its kabinett sister (TN posted earlier).

The nose is not as bright as the kabinett, and it is leaning towards yellow fruits such as apricot and mango. A little sulphuric...decided to decant it for an hour.

Better after decanted. Apricot, mango, star fruit, and that Mosel minerality. In the mouth it is rounder, fuller, less acidic and a touch sweeter than the kabinett, but I wouldn't call it sweet. Very balanced and enjoyable now. At warmer temp (>60F), this wine becomes a little medicinal, so it's better chilled. Very good.

Phyll: 90pts

I like the kabinett better for the focused nose and the zinging acidity, but it's probably just a mood thing. Both are excellent!

Next day...(the above TN was from the night before posting).

Whoa, even better! Now I can taste pineapple and golden kiwi. Sulphur is completely gone. Now I prefer this to the kabinett for present drinking because it's less astringent/acidic.

Revised score: 93