(2023) From the Rheingau, this is Extra Brut so has less than 6g/l of residual sugar. It's a traditional method wine, aged 48 months on the lees and comes from a vineyard on chalky soils dedicated to Riesling. Custardy, creamy aromas initially, with the waxiness and lime of Riesling very apparent. Though technically quite dry, the impression on the palate, with its creamy mousse, has a sweetness. Lovely balance, mouth-filling, hints of tropical fruit and zipping acidity. Very enjoyable.
(2021) I visited Künstler many years ago when they were in the vanguard of the new wave of drier German Rieslings and was very impressed by the quality, so nice to see this Wine Society bottling on very good form, a lovely purity of fruit, all sliced pear and waxy lemons, the palate creamy and limpid, and if there is any residual sugar it is swept up in the flow of mouth-watering acidity.
(2018) Lidl's summer 2018 'Wine Tour' saw a parcel of wines enter stores on July 26th. On sale while stocks last, this is a Riesling from the top German region of the Rheingau, where drier styles are something of a specialism. There's a touch of beeswax and classic flint and petrol of Riesling on the nose, over clear lime and apple fruit. In the mouth that dry, apple and pear core acidity is super-fresh, whilst the fruit is citrussy and bright, hinting at sweetness before that dry, balanced finish. Watch the video for more information, and also note the Grüner-Veltliner 'Granit' 2017 from Domäne Wachau, also £8.99 in the Wine Tour, is another top pick.
(2014) >From the Rheingau, this is just a brilliant Riesling - brilliant in all senses of the word, from its burstingly fresh aroma to its explosively fruity palate. It's 'trocken' which means dry, and with 12% alcohol certainly most of the sugar has been fermented here. The nose sings with summer meadows, crunchy ripe apples and zesty lemon, before a palate that is pristine and cool as a cucumber, yet with plenty of fruity punch and a dazzling citrus finish. Just delicious with a creamy risotto.
(2010) Delightfully, delicate, subtle yet precise nose, with confit lemon character and an underlying nectarine sweetness. The palate is just a smidgeon off dry, with lovely balance, the long, shimmering finish balanced between sweet fruit, a lime zest and cleansing, salty acidity. 10.5% alcohol.
(2009) Fine, steely, very precise nose, with some minerality and just a lovely burgeoning sense of something more peachy and ripe in the backg round. Fantastic acidity too, that powerful minerality giving this lovely tension and drama in the mouth.
(2008) Bottled in screwcap, this has a very fine and refined minerality on the nose, with little exotic fruit hints in amongst tangy apple skin and little salty notes. Lovely palate, with a fine sweetness and lovely ripe pear and some flowery, ogen melon notes. Beautiful acidity and shimmering length. Delightful.
(2006) This has a fairly light golden colour, but the nose reveals a huge, honeyed nose, crammed with ripe nectarine and peach juice aromas, and with a tang of marmalady orange. The palate is sumptuously rich and full and textured. There's a weight of honey and nutty qualities, with magnificent weight and mouthfilling sweetness. There are complex notes of leaf tea and spices, some tangerine and a lovely orangy acidity giving the edge on the finish. 300g/l RS, 13g total acidity.
(2006) A little sous-bois note of damp vegetation, with some waxy nectarine skins and pear skin notes. On the palate it is smooth and savoury, with a bite of lemon and lime pithy acid fruit. There's just a hint of sweetness there, probably from the sweeter fruit, but the crisp delineation of the acidity makes this finish dry and crisp.
(2006) Alte Reben means old vines. At one time the wines of the Berg were more expensive than Grand Cru Burgundy. A lot of minerality on the nose here, and bruised apple and slightly herbal qualities. There's a waxiness, but minerals drive this wine. On the palate there's a great deal of power, but a poised, lean fruit quality with an almost endive or chicory note, and again that sweetness of fruit just adding a touch of light and shade to a dry, mineral, herbal finish.
