1999 Naegele Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese Pfalz 35cl

The 1999 Naegele Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese from Pfalz is a highly concentrated, sweet wine made from late-harvested, noble rotted (botrytized) grapes. "Trockenbeerenauslese" indicates it’s a premium, very sweet wine, with an intense profile. Here are the likely tasting notes:

Nose: The aroma is intense and complex, with rich, sweet scents of honey, dried apricots, and overripe peaches. There's a wonderful note of orange marmalade, along with hints of waxy citrus peel, and perhaps a touch of vanilla or butterscotch.

Palate: On the palate, it’s luscious and velvety, with flavors of honeyed fruit – think apricot, fig, and candied orange peel. The sweetness is balanced by vibrant acidity, keeping it from feeling cloying. You might also detect a hint of caramel and a slight nuttiness, adding layers to the experience.

Complexity: As you sip, the wine reveals deeper nuances, including notes of tropical fruit, such as pineapple, along with the signature “botrytis” character – a honeyed, almost waxy texture that adds richness.

Finish: The finish is long, silky, and smooth, with a lingering sweetness that’s balanced by the zesty acidity, leaving a clean, fresh sensation.

Given its age (as a 1999 vintage), this wine has likely softened and evolved over the years, with its primary fruit notes giving way to more complex, tertiary flavors. If you open a bottle today, expect a luxurious and multi-layered experience with impressive aging potential.