2018 A. Christmann Konigsbacher Idig Riesling Grosses Gewachs
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Riesling Idig VDP.Grosse Lage is engagingly aromatic, elegant and generous on the nose like no other vintage after it and few before it. Elegant, delicate and juicy on the palate, not particularly dramatic but very balanced, this is a stimulatingly salty, citrusy classic on the finish. Tasted at the Rebholz Kastanienbusch/Christmann Idig/Wittmann Morstein vertical tasting in Westhofen in late August 2024.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Bruised apple skin and lemon peel on the penetrating nose reflect the piquancy exhibited on an otherwise polished, slightly waxy palate. There is an invigoratingly tart note of crab apple as well as persistent apple seed piquancy on the gripping, vibrant finish. Less engaging and lacking the salinity of the corresponding Meerspinne, this powerful offering will likely reward patience.
This is a remarkably mineral and taut style with dried citrus, quartz, ivory and brightly squeezed citrus. Edgy and compact on the palate with subtle, caressing phenolics and vibrant, bright acidity. Long and very citrusy on the finish. Drink now or hold.
One could be tempted to call Steffen Christmann’s Idig the minimalist among Riesling Grosse Gewächse. Whereas others may revel in opulence, particularly in 2018, the Idig excels in noble restraint. But it is exactly this understatement of individual components, whether they be herbal, mineral or fruity, which allows the taster to focus on balance and elegance as the key elements of one of the most sophisticated of Germany’s Grosse Gewächse. The thinking-person’s Riesling. (MS)