2016 Alte Reben Saar WK

Entirely sourced in the Saarburger Rausch (which wasn't produced as a single vineyard in 2016 due to the low yields), the 2016 Riesling Alte Reben Saar shows a pure, fresh and citrus-laced nose of lush and fresh pineapples, crushed gray slate and concentrated, ripe, piquant Riesling berries. Incredibly lush and round as well as fresh and elegant on the palate, with a crunchy structure and good grip, this is a complex but sensual, beautifully piquant Saar Riesling from vines that are 40 to 50+ years old. Tasted two times in March 2018—shortly before the bottling and then two days after the bottling.

Honeysuckle and lily-of-the-valley on the nose persist as alluring inner-mouth perfume, accompanied by fresh apple and an undertone of wet stone. The impression suggests a dominance of Zeltingen and Wehlen material over that from Ürzig. The feel is polished and the fruit rich, tinged with cardamom and nutmeg as well as saliva-liberating salinity, leading to a luscious, mouthwatering finish.

Slightly reductive at first, this only gradually opens up to reveal ripe notes of fruits including yellow peach, apricot and strawberry. A touch of smoke and spices comes through with airing and adds depth to the nose. The wine is very delicate and superbly focused on the palate, where white flowers and herbs come through. It leaves a very long and zest infused feeling in the finish. This beautifully light and complex expression of dry Riesling only needs a few years of bottle aging to blend its elements and show its full potential. Oct 2017, www.moselfinewines.com, Drink: 2021-2031