Maximin Grünhauser, Abtsberg, Auslese Nr. 88, 2018
Maximin made the bold decision in 2018 to bottle several Auslese fuder barrels individually, each one effectively of Goldkapsel quality. Nr. 88 has a majestic, sweeping nose of rich lavish fruits and flowers, feeling shiny and glossy with a spine of fine, ripe acidity. Spicey and golden and honeyed, this is a supremely stylish and sleek Auslese that develops luxurious notes of truffles, tobacco and white chocolate. A gorgeous Riesling.
critic reviews
The 2018 Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Spatlese is very intense, elegant and aromatic on the delicate and flinty nose. Round, sweet and lush yet also savory and with the first hints of maturity, this is an irresistible Spatlese with very fine tannins on the finish, making it an exceptional food wine. It is highly mouthwatering and never-ending, making it addictive. This is part of the Schlosskeller Reserve that the von Schubert family released last year to compensate for the dramatic losses to spring frost in 2024. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. AP 22 19. Tasted at the domaine in January 2026.
An effusive nose features quince and white peach preserves laced with mint and bergamot. The palate surprised me with its relative sense of softness and hint of overripeness, though the aforementioned herbal accents serve for pleasingly cooling counterpoint. The dominantly sweet finish engenders a honeyed aura and is soothingly sustained, but fortunately offers a bit of alkaline and stony counterpoint. (As von Schubert mentioned, even some desiccated fruit found its way into Spätlese this vintage.)