Our container has just landed of new releases from this dynamic estate in Assmanshausen, Rheingau. August Kesseler crafts vibrant expressions of Riesling and Pinot Noir from vineyards famous for their high content of slate. The line up begins with the perennial value, the 2005 Kesseler Riesling “R” ($9.99) It is fresh, juicy, melony and and very easy to like. The 2005 Kesseler Riesling Kabinett Dry ($16.99) comes across like a wine from the Mittlerhein with its intense slate character and raciness. The 2005 Kesseler Lorcher Schlossberg Kabinett ($18.99) is sleek with aromas of quince, white peach and slate. It is gentle and pure, a wine of great length and finesse. We also received very small quantities of maybe the most convincing dry German wine, the 2005 Rudesheimer Berg Schlossberg Erstes Gewachs ($39.99). A haunting nose of rose petal, warm slate and stone fruit leaps from the glass and begs your attention. Picked at the end of October. Perfect!! Also available is the 2005 Rudesheimer Berg Roseneck Spatlese Gold Capsule ($27.99), which is intoxicatingly aromatic. This is as pure an expression of Riesling as you can find, thoughtful, honest and clear. Now on to the reds…the 2004 Spatburgunder ($29.99) is textural, classy and ripe, a must have for any Pinot Noir lover. The 2004 Assmanshausen Hollenberg Spatburgunder ($57.99), one of the most sought after bottles in Germany, is reminiscent of a top Volnay with its purity and cut. Drink in 5-15 years. Drink German —Jeff Vierra