Niedermenniger Herrenberg Kabinett Trocken Riesling

The 2021 ‘Mutter Anna’, a reference to the particular barrel of this Niedermenniger Herrenberg Kabinett from Hofgut Falkenstein, is quite shy on the nose with some faint, pleasant Kabi-like aromas. The palate, however, is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in a wine - never mind saline, this is downright salty! Honestly I found this quite hard to drink, and ended up leaving the bottle after one glass. Perhaps I caught it at the wrong time - 2021 is, after all, a classical, cool, high acidity vintage. But for me, Mosel Trocken can at times be too linear, too simple even, and the region is far better suited to those traditional pursuits of Kabinett, Spätlese, and so on (again, only for my taste!). I far prefer the dry Rieslings of the Rheingau, for instance, with its slightly warmer climate.

First blind tasting round and probably the most obvious of the bunch. Mosel Riesling just screamed out of this glass and I think this is a prime example of the region. Strong notes of yellow pear, crab apple, and green apple skin along with some key lime and lemon zest. If there is any stone fruit, it’s covered up. Tart flavors mixed with honey and a mineral drip. Dry to off-dry with bright crisp acidity and moderate alcohol. It’s as Mosel as Mosel can be.

Very mineral nose. Almost chalky. Herbal as well. Lots of stones. Lime zest. Palate is chunky and chalky minerals with surprising refinement and sleekness. Very luscious minerality and a stream of pink grapefruit finishes off with a hint of enticing bitterness. Good power and concentration and terrific elegance as well. Dynamic and energetic.

Put this one in the ripper category. Almost more of a feinherb style. Bone dry and almost briny in texture. Intense mineral and wet stone character with good petrol concentration and a hint of white flowers. Lime, grapefruit and peach in heavily mineral-driven mid palate and finish. The acidity on this 2016 is razor-like in its intensity, attack and precision. Full of baby fat- not a great range of fruit and aromatics yet, but with all the minerality and freshness you could ever ask for. Killer Trocken Riesling at this price point, if a bit austere for most drinkers.

Gee Wiz this wine has High ++ acid. Like a laser beam that will disintegrate anything in its path.

So dry, so much acid. Mouth watering for hours. Perfect pair with the weather in Vegas this summer.

Matt had this 9 years ago

I could drink a lot more of this wine. Good pickup from Chambers street wines.

Zip a dee doo dah, but with sweetness dee-ay

Laser beams