2017 Scharzhof Riesling
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Tasting notes
Ripe pear and apple dominate on the nose and palate of this reduced-volume Scharzhof bottling, its richness of fruit and textural glossiness nicely complemented by nippy suggestions of cresses, piquancy of fruit seed and bright citricity. Whereas the 2016 rendition harbored 25 grams of residual sugar – relatively normal for this cuvée – here we have 41 grams, a testimony to the high must weights that had already accumulated by the end of September, especially in severely frost-trimmed Saarburg, whence much of the Scharzhof Riesling is sourced. And despite that level of residual sugar, the sense of sweetness here is pleasantly restrained thanks to efficacious acidity. The clear and refreshingly juicy finish is likely to pick up additional nuance with a bit more time in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Riesling Scharzhof (AP #1) offers a clear, bright and fine bouquet with delicate slate, herbal and stewed mushroom aromas. On the palate, this is a pretty concentrated and mouth-filling Scharzhof Riesling whose grapes were sourced in the Wiltinger Rosenberg, Braunfels and Saarburger Rausch. The 2017 is tight and well-structured and reveals good grip but needs another four or five years to develop complexity. Tasted in June 2019.
A hint of white mushroom on the nose and palate here, alongside searingly pure yet ripe citrus fruit. Mouth-watering intensity and richness combined, so concentrated and long but lively too. (JH)
About the producer
Egon Müller is the most famous name in Riesling. The estate produces the world’s most expensive sweet white wines from the Grand Cru Scharzhofberg vineyard in Mosel, Germany.