Is a 2003 Riesling still drinkable?

If it’s a German Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese, YES!

I recently had a 2003 Josef Friederich Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese Riesling. A 2003, you say? And you drank it in 2010? Yes. This wine is proof that a high-sugar content white wine CAN age and remain drinkable for quite a while (quite a while in the life of a white, anyway).

This Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese is from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, and has an alcohol content of 8.5%. It’s a beautiful straw-to-golden yellow color with a medium depth and yet quite clear. Its nose is moderate with scents of honey and peach. As one may parse, this is a sweet riesling with a medium body and smooth acidity. Along with low tannins, this is a VERY drinkable wine, and best served alone. The flavors consist of honey, peach and even a hint of citrus and pear with a nice, long finish. I was surprised by how flavorful and complex this wine has remained in seven years of aging.

All in all, a very nice surprise! It’s sweet, flavorful with a very slight effervescence, and out of a 5-star rating I give it 3.5-4. So if you find yourself with a German riesling that you might think is past its prime, open it and give it a try! I know I will.

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