Bürklin-Wolf "Gaisböhl" Riesling | Pfeffingen | Bürklin-Wolf "Pechstein" Riesling | Forst

A fair number of the finest 2004 vintages are now in shops, and there may still be some of the important 2003 white wine releases available in small quantities. If you want to bring Wurstmarkt into your home, here are some Pfalz wines worth the search.

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Dr. Bürklin-Wolf "Gaisböhl" Riesling, Pfalz 2003, $37
There is a subtle spice component within the nose, along with slightly baked apple and tropical nut. The sip can offer an almost chewy expanse of applelike nougat, almond, and a fresh note of white fruit in the long, dry finish. This is a big and opulent wine.

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Dr. Bürklin-Wolf "Pechstein" Riesling, Pfalz 2003, $40
Pechstein means "black stone," for which this vineyard is known. The black stones remain from nearby quarry works resulting in cobblestones for the village of Forst. There can be luscious peach and floral in the nose, along with complex mineral. The sip offers complex white fruit, delicate peach, cashew, and a range of mineral throughout the predictably long finish.

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Pfeffingen "Pfeffo" Riesling Kabinett, Pfalz 2004, $20
The nose will be dry and earthy. The sip promises flavors of orange peel, citrus, and delicate mineral. Pfeffo is the Roman who first settled this whole region in the fifth century. It is also where the village of Pfeffingen gets its name.

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Pfeffingen Scheurebe Spätlese, Pfalz 2004, $25
There will be lychee nut, lime, and likely a touch of cilantro spice in the nose. There can be candied orange, apricot, and elements of cold tea. The Scheurebe (pronounced schoy-ray-ba) grape is a crossing of Sylvaner and Riesling, done so by a Dr. Georg Scheu. Rebe means vine, thus the name of the grape.

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Pfeffingen "Weilberg" Riesling, Pfalz 2003/04, $38