Monzinger, Riesling, Fruhtau,

This is effectively the second wine to the Schönlebers’ Frühlingsplätzchen Grosses Gewächs (as explained in further detail in my review of its inaugural, vintage 2015 installment), “and I must say I’m surprised how well the new name has gone over with our customers,” remarked Frank Schönleber. Iris, lily-of-the-valley, white peach and lime inform a gorgeous nose and a satiny, buoyant palate (at just 12% alcohol). Nips of cress and a twist of lime lend invigoration and a major dose of mineral salts adds mouthwatering satisfaction to a vibrant finish rendered yet more complex by hints of iodine and black tea. It’s become conventional to think of Halenberg as inherently promoting mineral characteristics and Frühlingsplätzchen as favoring fruits and flowers, but recent renditions are demonstrating that this is at least an oversimplification, if not an outright inaccurate portrayal.