WTN: Cool Riesling breeze

2014 Dr. Wehrheim Birkweiler Kastanienbusch Köppel Riesling "Grosses Gewächs"
Breathtaking nose of grapefruit, white blossoms, starfruit, sea salt. Very pure and energetic.
Gentle but very intense on the palate: the beautiful, cool, fresh fruit is wrapped in a Grand Cru structure of haunting acidity, olive oil and subtle green-tea-like tannins.
So far the most impressive Riesling "Grosses Gewächs" I have ever tasted. Should work very well with Japanese cuisine.
I'm not sure if this exceptional wine keeps its wonderful qualities in the long-term. To be on the safe side I'd recommend to enjoy this between now and 2025. - My subjective rating: 95/100.

Nice entry so thanks.

[David M. Bueker]

Don't know that producer at all.

Don't know that producer at all.

First, I became aware of the vintage 2014 (I prefer cooler years), then of the vineyard "Birkweiler Kastanienbusch" (which is amongst the striking outperformers for dry German Riesling in 2014), in the end of the rather unknown producer "Dr. Wehrheim". I'll keep "Birkweiler Kastanienbusch" on my radar.

It took me a bit of Googling to discover that Birkweiler is in the southern part of the Pfalz not far from the French frontier. Perhaps that's common knowledge for real wine geeks. Sounds superb.

[David M. Bueker]

Next town over from Birkenstock?

Rebholz is the big name in Kastanienbusch, but I'm guessing this was cheaper.

..grapefruit, white blossoms, starfruit, sea salt... olive oil and subtle green-tea-like tannins...

Always interesting to see which flavor notes stand out to different people. Not sure I understand the point about green-tea-like tannins. But it's been years since I've had green tea!

Rebholz is the big name in Kastanienbusch, but I'm guessing this was cheaper.

..grapefruit, white blossoms, starfruit, sea salt... olive oil and subtle green-tea-like tannins...

Always interesting to see which flavor notes stand out to different people. Not sure I understand the point about green-tea-like tannins. But it's been years since I've had green tea!

You are right, Wehrheim's Kastanienbusch Riesling is about 20% cheaper than the one from Rebholz.
Wehrheim's wine from 2014 shows cool stony minerality, grip and an almost medicinal herbaceous accent - which I personally associate with green-tea aromatics.

You are right, Wehrheim's Kastanienbusch Riesling is about 20% cheaper than the one from Rebholz...

Well, that's not too much cheaper (maybe 10 euros). I guess it depends on the relative difference in quality/enjoyment.

But, either way, nice to hear about more delicious wines!