Weingut Bernd Frieden
Weingut Keller
Abts E de Riesling 2008
If you look up tasting notes for the 2008 Abtserde, you'll come upon a common trait - green and herbal... MFW goes as far to say "as if Sauvignon Blanc has crossed the wine". Odd, yet undeniable when tasting the wine. So let me present the clincher - there's some whole bunch in the ferment.
What?! Whole bunch in a white ferment?! From KP of all people... But there's a damn good reason for this - it's to tame the wild acidity of the vintage... And let's not even talk about Abtserde being typically the most laser-focused site of KP's. Perhaps not a necessity, but sure is an interesting take on tackling deacidification in a natural manner.
For me, the 2008 Abtserde is incredibly special. There's so much pleasure in the power and salinity, yet intrigue in the herbal tones. But most of all, it feels personal... Like how I desire to make wines inspired by KP one day... KP made this wine inspired by the ideas of someone he holds in high esteem, Bernd Phillipi... This resonates with me... I don't know how to express this properly... But it's like the comfort of knowing that great wines didn't start out of nowhere... And that there's a chance in grasping the whole idea of great wine one day. — 6 years ago
Weingut G. Breuer
Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg Kabinett Riesling 1985
On the back label it reads, “Der Tradition verpflichtet. Nur hochwertige Rheingauer Rieslingweine mit kräftiger Saure, unter strenger Selbstkontrolle der CHARTA erzeugt, düfen dieses Zeichen tragen. Diese Weine sind besonders zum Essen und allen geselligen Anlässen empfohlen”.
That roughly translates to, “Committed to tradition. Only high-quality Rheingau Riesling wines with strong acidity, produced under strict self-control of the CHARTA, are allowed to bear this sign. These wines are particularly recommended for meals and all social occasions”.
I’ve been wanting to try these wines ever since I heard stories of Georg Brueur and Bernd Phillipi being total mavericks and spearheading the dry Riesling revolution in Germany, and this sure delivered. While not truly grand in any sense, it proved the ageability of the concept then. Still relatively fresh with a nose made of herbs, pear, grapefruit, anise, sea breeze, smoke, and hints of petrol. On the palate, really ethereal and pure, with citrusy elements, intense salinity, and laser-like acidity. Finishes long and nuanced. What a pleasure to have drank this. — 2 years ago
Koehler-Ruprecht
Kallstadter Saumagen Auslese Trocken Riesling 2016
You have to give credit where credit is due. Since Bernd left, KR has admittedly been in the shadow of it's past. But this 16' is proof that KR's back. Stronger than ever! Dominik and Franzi has nailed it. This is one of those "fuck me" wines. It shows Saumagen's hedonistic nature, although leashed by searing acidity and confounding weightlessness.
The minerality is overwhelming. You can smell it and taste nothing but it. Flowers, exotic fruits, and cream on the nose too. Lengthy delicate finish. If I had anything to complain, it would be that the weight almost entirely derives from phenolic grip atm. It needs time, lots of it to sing at its full potential.
NB: Had this twice this year. Next up - Auslese trocken R! — 6 years ago
Te Mata Estate
Estate Vineyards Hawke's Bay Syrah
Bei Andreas mit Bruno und Bernd. — 8 years ago
Joiseph
Ruhe in Frieden Gemischter Satz Letzte Lese White Blend 2015
Love Gem Satz you stunning Austrian blend! Loads of skin contact and stone fruit! — 7 years ago
Schubert
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Bei Andreas mit Bruno und Bernd — 8 years ago
Andrew McIntyre
Crazy wine and my wife was unfortunately not a fan. There are classic ripe riesling notes in the background but KR notes dominate this. This was drinking a piece of history as its the last RR with Bernd Philippi who sadly passed away last year. — 5 months ago