The old saying, good things come in small packages, certainly rings true for a late harvest dessert wine like 2004 Von Othegraven Kanzem Altenberg Eiswein First Growth Riesling, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. The blast of flavor from this rare wine is so intense that it's sold in half bottles, suggesting this "Best Of" is best taken in small doses. The riesling grapes for this eiswein (German for ice wine) are grown on a family vineyard that dates back to 1500. Located in one of Germany's great viticulture climates, these hillside vineyards along the Saar River reach peak ripeness with an extended growing season from the moderating effects of the soft-flowing river. Upon the first frost, the precious drops from these low-yield grapes are gently pressed to leave the excess water in the ice crystals behind. The end result is an incredibly well-crafted wine that immediately fills the mouth with intense dried fruit and honey flavors that linger for minutes. A bouquet of apricot and orange with hints of tea adds complexity to this wonderful age-worthy wine.

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