We've learned to approach Willi Schaefer Kabinett offers with trepidation.
This is where fans of the estate devote most of their attention.
I should tell you from the outset that we have much less available in 2018 than we usually do, which is a shame. Schaefer came close to working magic with their 2018 Kabinetts.
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The 2018 vintage in Germany was ripe and only the most insightful growers were able to maintain proportions in the realm of what could be called classical for their Kabinetts and Spätlesen. Schaefer really nailed it with a superb collection at these levels.
Their 2018 Kabinetts have pristine fruit, plenty of tension, and use the ripeness of the vintage to add an intriguing extra dimension to the wines.
Schaefer's Himmelreich produces Kabinetts with the most cut and salty minerality of his sites. There's something especially gripping about the agility, punch and mineral tension of a Himmelreich Kabinett. Jean Fisch and David Rayer of Mosel Fine Wines call the 2018 Himmelreich "one of the few real Kabinett of the vintage." That gives you a good sense of the delineation and fineness that it boasts.
The Domprobst Kabinett is more yellow fruited and layered with serious complexity and aging capabilities. The 2018 is a beautiful example of the wine. There's plenty of depth along with a serious cut. The combination makes for something absolutely thrilling.
It's been amazing to witness the decade of vintages at Schaefer. They have been a benchmark for some time, but the level that they've been working at lately and their consistency is simply amazing. The wines have become absolutely bulletproof. You don't have to look any further than the 2018 Kabinetts for proof.
To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
2018 Willi Schaefer
Graacher Himmelreich & Domprobst Kabinett
2018 Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett
Special Bottle Price: $35.95
Mosel Fine Wines, Jean Fisch & David Rayer: "The 2018er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett was harvested at approx. 83° Oechsle and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (50 g/l). It offers a beautiful even if rather ripe nose of pear, quince, herbs and spices. The wine is firmly structured and racy on the palate and leaves a great long feel of ripe fruits and fine herbs into the long and racy finish. This is one of the few real Kabinett of the vintage, but one which is still marked by its acidity and will need a few years to find its balance."
2018 Graacher Domprobst Kabinett
Special Bottle Price: $37.95
Mosel Fine Wines, Jean Fisch & David Rayer: "The 2018er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett was harvested at approx. 83° Oechsle and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (50 g/l). It offers some herbal elements, mirabelle, greengage and some caraway. The wine is superbly racy and playful on the palate and leaves a razor-sharp yet nicely juicy feel in the finish. A subtle and beautifully soothing touch of whipped cream rounds off the experience in the after-taste. This is a real Kabinett with all the raciness defining the style on show."
Special Email 6-Pack Price (3 of each): $203.70
