The 2005 Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese displays a positively gaudy nose of orange liqueur, musk melon, herbal candies, and sweet floral perfume. Creamy and rich on the palate, this nevertheless follows the trend from last year of retaining plenty of fresh fruit acidity in the Pralat. The gaudy, super-ripe and candied flavors dominate in a strong finish but with just enough persistent fresh citricity and with fascinating, complementary brown spices and smoke and salt mineral expression. To reference Ernst Loosen’s metaphor, this hamster’s cheeks and belly are stuffed full for a good ten years sleep, after which the wine should remain rich and vigorous for another twenty.