2018 Riesling Alte Reben
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Tasting notes
Sourced entirely from quite ancient Saar vineyards (principally in Wiltinger Klosterberg, Wawerner Ritterpfad and Kanzemer Sonnenberg), this cuvée leads with a predictable aromatic and palate amalgam of white peach, apple and lime. Pithy, positive piquancy of apple seed, peach kernel and almond serves for appealing counterpoint on a relatively soft, fruit-juicy palate. The finish adds wet stone underpinnings and a savory pinch of mineral salts.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Pretty purity and focus are the calling cards of this white; think freshly squeezed lemons, orange blossom and bright herbs. Beautiful balance on the palate between steely freshness, lots of apple and pear flavors and racy, lacy phenolics. Drink now.
The perfectly aromatic and concentrated yet transparent, elegant, fruity and stony bouquet of the 2018 Riesling Alte Reben leads to an intensely fruity, crystalline and slatey palate that develops remarkable intensity and length. The wine is powerful but fine, fresh and even crystalline but moderate in alcohol (12%). Tasted from AP #13 19 in June 2019.
Cask sample. Exuberant fruit on the nose and then van Volxem pungency on the palate. Masses of astringency. But it should get there in the end – but only if you like this defiantly dry style of Saar wine… Quite demanding. (JR)