2016 Westhofener Aulerde Trocken Grosses Gewachs
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Aulerde Riesling GG is purer, fresher and more mineral than ever before. Coming from deep and coolish marly soils and vines planted in 1951, this is a flinty/smoky and lemony Riesling with stunning purity and a coolish character. Pure, fresh and intense on the silky-textured palate, this is a well-structured, intense but still elegant dry Riesling with ripe fruit flavors, fine grippy tannins and lingering salinity. One of the finest Aulerede GGs I can remember.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Pungently zesty lime and grapefruit peels meet on the nose, accompanied by quarry-dust chalkiness. On the surprisingly lush palate, tangy pineapple core and juicy, pit-inflected white peach join the citrus peels and dusty chalk. The wine finishes with vibrancy; admirable transparency to chalky, stony, alkaline detail; pronounced piquancy that manages not to turn into outright bitterness; an unexpected influx of mouthwatering salinity; and just enough primary juiciness to refresh.
2016 confirms the Aulerde’s reputation as the most opulent and forward of Wittmann’s Grosse Gewächse. Lovers of exotic fragrances are indulged by an almost overwhelming exhibition of tropical fruit. This generosity does not stop short of the palate, but even adds some juicy stone-fruit flavours to the sweet taste of passion fruit, orange and pineapple. A full body and rich texture serve as further proof of generosity, but a fair sprinkling of fresh herbs, sweet spice and dusty minerality make sure that the Aulerde has far more to offer than just a pleasant fruit cocktail. (MS)