Frühlingsplätzchen, Riesling, Grosses Gewächs, 2018
Dried flowers, herbs and dried lemon peel notes dominate the nose in this restrained GG that is built on lacy acidity and briny fruit. This has an element of essential citrus oil, pithy fruit that is light touch, with notes of fennel seed, sea salt and anise. Perhaps a little monastic, but those who love a more austere style will find plenty to admire.
critic reviews
Here’s yet another instance where zesty grapefruit and tangy pineapple core convey an impression one might not expect from the modest acidity registered by the wine’s analysis. Behind these emerge Riesling-typical and very ripe apple and peach. Salinity and alkalinity as well as struck-flint smokiness convey a mineral dimension that one might also not anticipate given the wine’s vintage-typical fruit intensity. There is underlying polish to accompany the wine’s fullness (reflecting just over 13% alcohol), and the lingering finish strikes a pleasing balance between richness and overt ripeness on the one hand and invigoration and refreshment on the other.
The 2018 Fruhlingsplatzchen Riesling GG is crystalline and fresh on the deep and flinty, lemon-fresh nose, with its crushed stone and minty aromas. On the palate, this is an intense, salty and gripping Riesling with concentrated and juicy, highly elegant and refined fruit. The finish is enormously salty, piquant, fresh and full of mineral tension. This is doubtlessly a great wine with lots of finesse and tension. Tasted in July 2019.