2017 Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Domaine Weinbach Magnum

The Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling from Domaine Weinbach. The vineyard is set on steep southern-facing slopes with granite soils and the wine spent ten months in French oak. It instantly impresses as the nose picks up wet stone and kiwi aromas with melon and citrus rind undertones that build in the glass. The palate is refined, showing ripe mouthfeel and a gorgeous texture. Kiwi, kumquat and wet stone flavors all collide as this wine finishes exceedingly long with minerals and melon. While highly enjoyable now, however this exceptional Riesling should continue to evolve well over the next two decades. 2019-2035.

Lively straw-green. Ripe pineapple, apricot, and melon on the nose and in the mouth are lifted by hints of crushed rocks and jasmine. Closes long and vibrant, with persistent reminders of powdered stones and jasmine. Very pure, mineral-accented wine that is still fairly closed but will undoubtedly blossom into something special. This wine is made from grapes picked in the top part of the Schlossberg, an area prone to water stress; recent hot, dry vintages such as 2017 have forced the estate to declassify many grapes every year, and therein lies part of the reason for this wine's noteworthy quality level. About 8,000 bottles made.