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$28.95
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FWR 91
IWC 89
Germany
In stock,
10
available
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Terry Theise: "(discernible but not obtrusive sweetness) SOMMELIER ALERT! This has the purest fragrance of old-school Mosel Riesling. It"s why we love it with a heart almost childlike, one we hardly know we own. This is sleeker than most recent vintages -- a 'mere' 87° with 10.8g acidity, which is not unnoticeable, but the slightly arch charm is beautiful for its angularity, and the wine shows absurd length."
91 points Fine Wine Review: "The Dhron Hofberg Kabinett displays yellow peach fruit but with restraint and also shows good length to go with some sweetness. 8.0% stated alcohol. (Issue #135/136; 2012)"
89 points Joel B. Payne (International Wine Cellar): "Fresh bouquet of pear and apple blossom. Delicately sweet on the palate, offering a nice interplay of apricot and luscious citricity. The persistent finish offers lipsmacking elegance. An exemplary kabinett. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$17.95
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FWR 89
Germany
In stock,
10
available
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89 points Fine Wine Review: "Becker is at the south end of the Pfalz, and indeed, many of his vineyards are in Alsace, although they are allowed to be labeled as German wine. The whites can be good, but the real specialty is Pinot Noir, for which Becker is one of the handful of top German producers. The Spätburgunder (labelled as Pinot Noir in the U.S.) has strawberry fruit in both nose and mouth that is very fresh. The wine is medium-weight, silky in texture, and shows some minerality. It was raised in large barrels and barriques with a 40-day maceration, entirely destemmed. (Issue 131; 2011)"
Importer notes: "This fruity and elegant Pinot Noir is grown in the southern Pfalz region just north of Alsac, around the German-French border on limestone soil perfectly suited to Pinot Noir. Alcohol 13.0%."
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$17.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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$16.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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The outstanding Becker Estate in Germany’s warm Pfalz region specializes in red wines, somewhat unusual in a country best known for its whites. Their blend 'Guillaume' consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the German red grape Dornfelder. This is a rich, savory red of surprising depth, full of character and spicy fruit. It is a surprisingly delicious red wine that’s totally unique and great fun to drink. Who knew a German winery could produce such a delicious red wine? And a great value at this price!
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$13.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "The Becker Landgraf Winery lies in the heart of Rhinehessen. Gently rolling hills where good wine grows: this is our home. We, Julia and Johannes Landgraf, live here with our family. And with our winery we are continuing in the tradition of two winemaking families while pursuing our own very special approach. We are passionate winemakers with visions of our own but our feet planted firmly on the ground. And as down-to-earth people we have opted for a close-to-nature winemaking method. J2 stands for the power of double passion and the interplay of mutual inspiration. We are fortunate enough to share a philosophy of living and working: our conscious commitment to quality. We bear the responsibility for our work in a joint partnership and decide jointly what is good for us and our wines. Our estate wines represent the basis of the wines from our estate. Even at the vineyard stage we take great care. Fresh, fruity white wines and delicate red wines with a fine body. These wines are fun to drink and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal."
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$15.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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Aromas redolent of yellow apple and white flowers, apricots and citrus fruits. Full-flavored with light minerality and delicate sweetness on the palate. Racy and refreshing, with fine acid and perfect balance.
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$19.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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Bill Mayer (The Age of Riesling): "The 'Luca 1' was an absolute knockout. Here is spicy St. Laurent, with great color and real stuffing, dazzling, forceful, like cross between Zinfandel and Bordeaux, at a very modest price. The label is wild too. This would be a great party wine -- guess the country of origin, guess the grape -- good luck."
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$17.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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This aromatic white wine is full of grapefruit flavor and floral character, with a plump mouthfeel and a lush ending. It's incredibly versatile and pairs well with all kinds of assertively spiced foods.
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$13.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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100% Riesling hand harvested from the entire property, including the Trittenheim Apotheke and Altchen sites. Immediately pressed and naturally fermented under controlled temperatures. Only stanless steel tanks are used for this cuvée.
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$174.95
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FWR 99
Germany
In stock,
10
available
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99 points Fine Wine Review: "The Oberhäuser Brücke Eiswein was harvested on 17 January 2012 -- a relatively rare Eiswein in this vintage. Helmut was in Singapore on that day and his son, Cornelius was in Canada. As a result, they had to give instructions for picking over the telephone and a not insignificant cost. But the resulting wine is nothing short of glorious. The wine is crystalline in the nose with pure, light, crystalline essence-of-Riesling flavors on the palate and great length. (Issue #138; 2013)"
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$21.95
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JG 93
FWR 92
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $27.00
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93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2011 Leistenberg is really a very classic example of Kabinett this year. The deep, pure and vibrant nose offers up a very floral mélange of apple, tart orange, complex slate tones, petrol, orange blossoms and lilacs. On the palate the wine is medium-full, crisp and lively, with lovely filigree, fine mid-palate intensity, snappy acids and superb length and grip on the dancing finish. A lovely, lovely Kabinett. 2012-2030. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
92 points Fine Wine Review: "The Oberhäuser Leistenberg Kabinett is from vines that are about 35-40 years old. The wine is mineral, tight, and focused with good, ripe acidity, finesse, depth, and nervosity. 10% stated alcohol. (Issue #138; 2013)"
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$129.95
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JG 94
FWR 94
WA 93
Germany
In stock,
1
available
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List $148.00
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94+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "In 2010, the Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is the top dry Riesling in the cellar, but it is a very close race between this and the stunning Dellchen. The deep and beautifully complex bouquet on the Hermannshöhle delivers scents of pink grapefruit, lemon peel, wild yeasts, incipient notes of petrol and a stunningly complex base of minerality. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, tight and tensile, with a rock solid core of fruit, laser-like focus and great length and grip on the very mineral-driven finish. All three of the Grosses Gewächs bottlings in the Dönnhoff cellars this year show beautiful acid integration, as the snappy acids are seamlessly woven into the body of the wine without losing any cut or precision on the backend. This is no small feat in 2010! 2018-2045+. (Mar/Apr 2011)"
94 points Fine Wine Review: "The Hermannshöhle GG shows more body than the other two GGs; the slate flavors are long and a bit broader than the prior two wines, but this wine is still light and airy. (Issue #135/136; 2012)"
93 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$74/750ml list] One has to rely strongly on mineral vocabulary even to describe the nose of Donnhoff’s 2010 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs, with its suggestions of struck flint and wet stone that mingle with toasted nuts, grapefruit, and white peach. Firm in texture and formidably dense, yet in no way heavy (and, like its immediate Grosses Gewachs siblings, hovering around 13% in alcohol), this finishes with almost implacable grip and a complexly dynamic exchange of fruit, herb, and mineral. A profound wine that calls attention to itself without really attempting to charm, it appears to have energy and sheer juiciness to spare for at least the next decade, during which I would not be surprised to witness it gaining further complexity. (Dec 2011)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Precise and pure-tasting, with flavors and aromas of dried apricot, pear, apple tart and spice. Elegant, with a fine density and a concentrated finish of dried berry with hints of ripe melon and gooseberry. Drink now through 2018. 60 cases imported. (3/7/12)"
92 points Joel B. Payne (International Wine Cellar): "Savory aromas of dried apricot and blackberry, with a smoky, herbal character. Dense passion fruit and a finely polished minerality animate the palate. Rich, elegant and spicy on the persistent finish. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$54.95
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JG 97
FWR 96
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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97+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Not to be outdone by the Dellchen, the 2011 Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is also profound! The deep and completely kaleidoscopic nose soars from the glass in a magical blend of white cherries, pink grapefruit, crystalline minerality, citrus peel, lemongrass and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and Porsche-like in the passing lane, with stunning mid-palate depth, ripe, racy acids, brilliant focus and grip and a very, very pure and very long and elegant finish. A seamless and utterly stunning young wine! 2020-2050. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
96 points Fine Wine Review: "The especially magnificent Hermannshöhle GG includes vines planted in 1949, Helmut’s birth year. Soils are 90% slate with a small amount of volcanic soil. The slate is not the same type as is found in the Mosel -- here it is more friable, easier to crack and can hold more moisture. The wine displays beautiful slate purity that dances on the tongue and a more direct attack than the other GGs here. The wine is long and penetrating with knife sharpness, but also spherical in its overall balance. Helmut Dönnhoff believes that this is one of the best dry wines he has ever made. (Issue #138; 2013)"
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$46.95
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JG 96
FWR 94
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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96 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2011 Dellchen Grosses Gewächs is simply the greatest young dry wine I have ever tasted from this vineyard! The inherent elegance of the vintage has really worked its magic with this great Dellchen and this wine will be a must addition to any Dönnhoff lovers’ cellar! The utterly refined and brilliant nose offers up an intense blend of grapefruit, tart orange, petrol, a touch of lilacs, wild yeasts, crystalline slate tones and citrus peel. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and extremely elegant and racy for a young Dellchen, with a rock solid core of fruit, bright acids and stunning lift on the laser-like, endless and very snappy finish. A hauntingly beautiful wine in 2011! 2018-2045. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
94+ points Fine Wine Review: "The Dellchen GG is from vines that are about 25 years old. The nose is very mineral with a bit of stone showing. The mouth has great clarity in its apple fruit. The wine is very direct and has a fair amount of power to go with its elegance. The palate is long and smooth but with very good firmness. Slate and volcanic soils here. (Issue #138; 2013)"
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$49.95
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JG 96
FWR 96
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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96+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2011 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spätlese is utterly profound and the greatest young example of this wine I have tasted since the 2001 was released! The utterly pure and refined nose soars from the glass in a stunning mélange of pink grapefruit, apple, petrol, kaleidoscopic slate, citrus peel, bee pollen and a nice dollop of white flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish and very pure, with a superb core of fruit, a very ethereal palate impression, bright, snappy acidity, laser-like focus and magical complexity and grip on the very long, filigreed and dancing finish. This is a brilliant vintage of 2011 Hermannshöhle Spätlese! 2016-2040+. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
96+ points Fine Wine Review: "The Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spätlese is open and joyous in its slate aromas. The mouth displays great minerality, purity, power, and elegance with more approachability today that the Brücke and perhaps greater sweetness than the foregoing wines. 9% stated alcohol. (Issue #138; 2013)"
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$29.85
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FWR 94
WA 94
WS 93
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $40.00
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94+ points Fine Wine Review: "The Norheimer Kirschheck Spätlese is entirely on slate soils. It features a nose that is beautiful for its pure floral and mineral elements. The mouth is nervy, pure, and balanced with green apple and mineral flavors, enlivening acidity, a crystalline quality, and excellent length. 8.5% stated alcohol. (Issue #138; 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Very minerally and creamy, with plush flavors of ripe apricot, pear and spice. Enticing mint and white cherry notes linger with ginger. The lively finish features chive and candied basil accents. Drink now through 2028. 66 cases imported. (2/28/13)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "[$40 list] Four days after opening, this wine was still going strong, plush enough to match the fat gilding a slice of smoked duck breast and direct enough to cut right through it. Its mouthwatering minerality is as smooth as the slate in this vineyard, with light herbal notes that give extra lift to the cherry pit and peach flesh flavor. (Dec 2012)"
92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2011 Kirschheck Spätlese is another absolute classic in the making. The very pure and lively nose delivers a fine blend of white cherries, white peach, slate, petrol, spring flowers and bee pollen. On the palate the wine is medium-full, crisp and beautifully balanced, with zest acidity, a lovely core of fruit, fine focus and a very long, very minerally finish. This is light on its feet as the best vintages of Kirschheck often can be, but with beautiful purity and depth in the mid-palate. Again, a very classically-sized Spätlese. 2012-2030+. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
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$41.95
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JG 95
FWR 94
WA 96
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $51.00
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95+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2011 Dönnhoff Brücke Spätlese shows the faintest touch of botrytis on both the nose and palate that serve to give the wine a slight touch of exotica that is very exciting indeed. The utterly suave bouquet offers up scents of clementine, lemon chiffon, pear, slate, citrus blossoms and an esthery topnote redolent of bee pollen. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish, pure and racy, with a fine core, dancing filigree, laser-like focus and stunning length and grip on the slatey and very precise finish. The nose is quite exotic by Brücke standards, but on the palate this wine is utterly classic. A magical combination! 2016-2040+. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
94+ points Fine Wine Review: "The Oberhäuser Brücke Spätlese is a wine that takes longer to open than the foregoing. Although more closed at the moment, it is deeper with power and elegance. It is a serious wine that asks 10-12 years in the cellar before reaching maturity. 8.5% stated alcohol. (Issue #138; 2013)"
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$295.00
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Germany
In stock,
2
available
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List $400.00
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Wine Spectator: "[$200/375ml list] Deeply colored, this tastes like baked apples, caramel and spice, in a concentrated, lively frame. It's compact and tangy, with a moderate finish. Drink now through 2010. (2003)"
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$29.95
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W&S 95
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $44.00
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95 points Wine & Spirits: "[$44 list] Named for the wild roses that once clung to this vineyard’s granite outcroppings, this wine happens to smells like flowers, the acidity buzzing around it like so many bees, and tastes of green grapes and poached pears with a dusting of five-spice. Sweet yet in a way that’s nuanced and teasing rather than ponderous, it’s a lovely taste of summer. (Dec 2012)"
The Nägler family have owned vineyards in the Rüdesheimer Berg area in the heart of the Rheingau region since 1826. Berg Roseneck is the steepest location of the Rüdesheimer Berg: Superior, elegant and well-balanced wines mature on the steep quartz and slate soil. This value-priced Beerenauslese shows ripe peach, rich, opulent fruit with only hints of botrytis, complexity, acidity and minerality all rolled together.
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$17.95
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FWR 91
JG 90
Germany
In stock,
1
available
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91 points Fine Wine Review: "The Saarburger feinherb has the smoky slate nose typical of Rausch. The mouth is crystalline and tempting for the combination of melon and slate flavors and a juicy texture. 10.5% stated alcohol. (Issue #138; 2013)"
90+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2011 Saarburger Feinherb is truly exceptional for its level and will be one of the great steals in the Zilliken portfolio this year. The wine weighs in at 10.5 percent alcohol, so a full point lower than its comparable Trocken bottling in this vintage. The very bright and minerally nose offers up a fine mélange of pink grapefruit, orange zest, lovely, slate-derived minerality, wild yeasts and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is medium-full, crisp and complex, with beautiful interplay between minerality, fruit and the faint stirrings of residual sweetness. The wine displays excellent mid-palate depth, ripe acids and very fine length and grip on the focused and vibrant finish. Fine juice. 2012-2025+. (Mar/Apr 2010)"
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$17.95
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FWR 87
Germany
In stock,
5
available
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87 points Fine Wine Review: "A new entrant in the U.S. market is the Gewürztraminer. It is from 15-18 year old vines planted on deep red soils from the plateau above the Rothenberg vineyard in the Engelsberg vineyard. The wine is quite floral in the nose with roses that are typical of Gewürztraminer. In the mouth, the wine is dry, restrained, and spicy with good supporting acidity. Drink 2009-2012. 12.5% stated alcohol. (Issue #122; 2008)"
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$15.95
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FWR 89
Germany
In stock,
10
available
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List $18.00
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89 points Fine Wine Review: "The Kabinett Jean-Baptiste off-dry is from the Pettenthal, Hipping, and Ölberg vineyards in Nierstein with a little bit of Nackenheim Rothenberg mixed in. The wine shows some smokiness in the nose and is round with some sweetness, minerality, and clarity in the mouth and again some smokiness on the finish. (Issue #131/132; 2011)"
Rudi Wiest Selections: "The wine offers a wonderful nose of grapefruit and lemonade; it is so fresh and bright. On the palate the wine has excellent weight and texture for a Kabinett, but still allows the rich clay and fine slate mineral details to show through. A lovely bottle of Kabinett, and we feel it could be the best 'Jean Baptiste' Gunderloch's made to date."
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$9.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $19.00
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Importer notes: "An excellent, food versatile wine in a medium dry style, made by winemaker Fritz Hasselbach of Gunderloch, a leading winery in Germany receiving 3 perfect 100 point scores from the Wine Spectator for their extremely rare dessert wines. In this wine, aromas of peaches and apricots mingle in your glass. Beautiful fruit mixed with mineral characteristics will excite your palate and it will finish dry and refreshing. 11.5% alcohol."
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$15.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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Terry Theise: "(no discernable sweetness) Something I noticed with the ‘10s was how their acidities just burned away the sweetness... this is a serious wine and a serious departure from its norm, all sage and marjoram rather than cassis and elderflower. Zero botrytis yet over 90º (i.e., good Spät), salty and Sencha-like, with almost a GrüVe boxwoody note."
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$15.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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Terry Theise: "(no discernable sweetness) SOMMELIER ALERT! Less recherché than ‘10, less exotic than ‘08, a simple drink-the-living-f***-out-of-it quality; Clint says pink peppercorn and this is the shady balsam-y side. It goes to the party but is a little diffident, it hardly knows anyone, but when it sees you it bursts into an incandescent grin."
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