Our first wine is from Alsace, France. Trimbach Riesling 2005 (12.5% ABV, $15)

- Mineral, slate, and a touch of lemon peel on the nose. The palate shows somewhat the same minus the slate, plus a touch of quince in a light to medium bodied frame. Finishes dry. Good value. Great with the veggie fritatta we had for dinner.

Our next three are all German.

First up is Dr. Burklin-Wolf Riesling Estate 2006 (12% ABV, $12)

- Golden-straw in color, scents and flavors of lychee, peach, peach pit, slate, honeysuckle, and granite. The wine was light and dry, and finished somewhat short. From the Pfalz.

The third wine is Hermann Donnhoff Riesling Oberhauser Leistenburg Kabinett 2006 (8.5% ABV, $36)

- Complex yet subtle nose, hard to pick out specific aromas. Creamy, floral, lightly peachy, perhaps some apricot and lime. Rich yet bright, medium-bodied with a long refreshing off-dry finish. From the Nahe.

Our last wine is Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Erdener Treppchen Auslese ** 2004 (7.5% ABV, $47)

- Big aromas of apple strudel, spice, and honey. On the palate it is surprisingly light with similar flavors plus orange blossom. Vibrant, medium body, with a very long finish. Seems to need some time to open up fully. Delicious and complex. From the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer.