Entry Level Riesling

While prowling around in the bottom of the cellar I came across a forgotten bottle of wine, placed there about eight years ago.  The wine was a 2004 Willi Schaefer Riesling Qualitatswein, the entry level wine for this producer.  It's two siblings were consumed several years ago but this one escaped detection. 

It got a slight chill and the cork came out.  The color was showing a bit of age as it was a light golden color without a hint of green edges.  The aromas were fresh apricots, a mellow and sweet apple, and a bit of ripe pear.  The wine did not show as much minerality as the single vineyard bottlings from Willi Schaefer, but it was still there - especially in the finish.  The flavors blended together well and kept things interesting through a meal of orange chicken with steamed rice.  The chicken was spicy with fresh ginger and garlic and orange juice and the red peppers provided a bit of heat without making the dish fiery - a dish balanced just like the wine. 

2004 Willi Schaefer Riesling Qualitatswein.  9.5% alcohol and $16.