2009 Nierstein Ölberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs trocken, Rheinhessen, Germany

Rather tart, vegetal and slightly fungal, clearly earthy-mineral and also dried-herbal nose of fresh and candied citrus and stone fruit with floral nuances, crustacean-like tones, hinted dark berries and clear minerality. Ripe, juicy, melting, somewhat sweetish fruit with notes of candy, clearly dried herbal and floral spice, some pepper and cardamom, lively acidity, touch of ripe tannin, lasting, dense, has depth and some warmth, a lot of power, but at the same time bite and cooling ethereal-herbal and clearly mineral tones, quite complex, red and black berry notes, slightly oily, very ripe, yet backbone giving, gripping phenolic, appears completely ageless, complex, ripe, spicy, ethereal-herbal and very mineral in the pressure and powerful finish. A masterful combination of power, depth and complexity, reminiscent of great Wachau or Alsatian wines in stature, yet tastes completely different; at the beginning of its ideal drinking maturity - which can last decades for wines of this calibre. Even stronger than in his youth

Best to drink: Bis 2028+. What our ratings mean