Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Spatlese Feinherb 2019

Father and son team of Erich and Johannes Weber are throwbacks to Mosel wines of a century ago. They farm very old vines along the Saar River with soils consisting primarily of red and blue slate. Falkenstein’s Niedermenniger Herrenberg Spatlese – denoted “feinherb” for its tendency towards dryness – is crafted from low-yielding ungrafted vines and raised exclusively in very old neutral fuder (the region’s traditional large, oval oak barrels). A pale green-glinted lemon-gold color, Falkenstein’s Spatlese explodes with dusty, high-toned, soil-driven aromas of honeysuckle blossoms, lime zest, petrol, and perfumed slate. Brisk and intense on the palate, the wine juxtaposes tart white currant and peach fruit with suggestions of sweet green melon, lemongrass, and petrol. Finishing essentially dry, this is superb, impeccably balanced Saar Riesling. Serve it at your holiday table with turkey and trimmings, or pair with pork braises, light fish dishes, oysters on the half-shell, and mild, semi-firm cow’s milk cheeses. Drink now and over the next ten years.