2017 Rauenthaler Nonnenberg Riesling
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Tasting notes
From the deep, phyllite soils of this five-hectare monopole, the 2017 Rauenthal Nonnenberg Riesling is still a bit reductive and benefits a lot from aeration and a larger glass. Deep, intense and concentrated on the clear, elegant and stony-mineral nose, this is a highly noble, refined and crunchy Nonnenberg with a long, intense, salty, tensioned and persistent finish. Fine tannins and a healthy mineral acidity give this wine grip and structure as well as good aging potential. It's far from being ready to drink, though, and will benefit a lot from bottle aging. The best is yet to come here, and it should be pretty great. Tasted from AP #3.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
David Schildknecht, Vinous
More reviews and scores
I described this bottling’s village-level counterpart (i.e. “Rauenthal Estate”) as musky and feral in its twisted florality, and that goes double for this vineyard-designated offering. Nose-wrinkling narcissus and faded iris share aromatic billing with pungent lemon and lime rinds as well as with peat, kelp, sea breeze and wet stone. There is an almost charred, carboniferous mid-palate aspect that adds to the complexity and intrigue of a low-toned, darkly herbaceous and mineral personality, with citrus pip piquancy and sheer density underscoring the wine’s sense of grip. But at the same time, juicy citrus serves for its special sense of brightness, leading to animation and refreshment that carry into the seriously-persistent as well as mouthwateringly salt-tinged finish.