12.0 % Alcohol
Tasted 2014-07-27
A remark at the beginning: I used the Coravin to pour this wine. Makes sense. To drink a whole bottle of the '97 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle at once is a real challenge. So exactly for this kind of experience this tool makes absolutely sense.

I poured in total 9.5 oz from the bottle in three steps: First one only to taste the wine, the two other ones for lunch. Deep golden colour. At the beginning aromas of resin and honey, but after a short moment ripe quince and candy fruits came into the foreground. Delicious! On the palate creamy and smooth; no petrol notes noticeable. Massive and intensive. Neverending finish. Wonderful to drink at the moment, but it will keep this quality for another five to ten years without any doubt.
It was not planned to drink the wine exactly this day. But we prepared a not too hot Thai Curry and I thought the Hermannshöhle could be a good partner. I was a little bit wrong: It was an outstanding combination! Together with the curry the Hermannshöhle develops a cornucopia of aromas and spices: Directly after a bite the curry aromas were improved to a sweet and hot combination which woke up all senses. Shifting the contact point for approx. 10 seconds suddenly offers a mix of spices: Of course curry, but also cardamom, some pepper, but surprisingly also something like cinammon. Incredible.
The Weingut Dönnhoff is one of the most famous wineries in Germany. Located in the wonderful Nahe area the winery provides a lot of world-class white wines. The website (http://www.doennhoff.com/) provides all information also in English. For instance the information of the Hermannshöhle site: "For over 100 years, the Hermannshöhle has been rated the best site of the Nahe and is therefore the benchmark by which all other vineyards in the region are judged. This magnificent site takes its name from a small mine (Höhle actually means cave) in the middle of the hillside. Hermann comes from Hermes, the Greek guardian of messengers and travellers and is probably an indication of an ancient place of worship." Tastings are possible by appointment.
But now the good news for all my US friends: Dönnhoff wines are also available in a lot of US shops. But you have to look for the American writing: Donnhoff.