What should German riesling spatlese wine taste like?

German Riesling Spätlese is a beautiful wine with complex flavors that are best described as:

Aroma:

* Fruity: Apricots, peaches, citrus fruits (especially grapefruit and lime), quince, and sometimes even hints of honeydew melon.

* Floral: Rose petals, honeysuckle, elderflower, and sometimes a touch of chamomile.

* Mineral: Wet stone, slate, flint, and sometimes a hint of sea salt.

* Spicy: A touch of ginger, nutmeg, or cinnamon, especially in the more mature examples.

Palate:

* Sweet: The sweetness of Spätlese is balanced by the wine's acidity, so it's not cloyingly sweet. It's often described as a "refreshing sweetness."

* Acidic: The acidity is high, giving the wine a crispness and refreshing quality. It also helps to balance the sweetness and create a long, lingering finish.

* Flavors: Similar to the aromas, but with more depth and complexity.

* Body: The wine can range from light-bodied to medium-bodied, depending on the producer and the vintage.

* Finish: Long and lingering, with a pleasant lingering sweetness and a refreshing acidity.

Important to note:

* The sweetness level can vary: Spätlese translates to "late harvest," and the sweetness of the wine depends on how long the grapes were left on the vine.

* The vintage matters: The style of Spätlese can vary depending on the vintage. In cooler years, the wines will tend to be more delicate and lighter in body, while in warmer years, the wines will be richer and more full-bodied.

Overall: German Riesling Spätlese is a complex and rewarding wine that offers a beautiful balance of sweetness, acidity, and flavor. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own, with food, or as an aperitif.