Hermannshöhle, Riesling, Grosses Gewächs,

It’s hard not to commence a tasting note on this wine in the same way as I did that on its 2014 predecessor: “A haunting nose ....” Here we have buddleia, violets and thyme; white peach, mirabelle and red currant, with intimations of the fruit pit piquancy and crushed stone anticipating the glowing sharpness and interaction of fruit and stone that ensue on a silken palate. The superbly-sustained finish displays striking transparency to undulating, interactive layers of floral, coolingly green herbal, fruity and crystalline mineral elements. An influx of sweet-saline shrimp shell reduction serves for saliva-inducement, while a touch of white pepper enhances the impression of invigoration and, along with the aforementioned piquancy, serves as a sort of fermata extending the last harmonious notes of this impressive exercise in Riesling counterpoint.