2018 Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Auslese
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Riesling Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Auslese #69 was made from a single Fuder . Both botrytis and passerillage concentrated the grapes in this hot, dry year. Fir honey is the first impression, followed by candied honeysuckle, then that herbal-citric lift so common in maturing Riesling. The palate is still beautifully svelte before plunging into herb- and almost conifer-scented, candied orange. It is the savoriness that kills you, with that gorgeous chamomile and conifer spice, citric tanginess and fir honey-tinged bitterness. Whoa! (Luscious)
Critic scores
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Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
So much tropical fruit here, with everything thrown in from mangoes to papaya to lychees. Touch of some pretty, lifted, honeyed notes. Sweet and very powerful with a driving lick of acidity peppering the mouth as this storms the palate. Long and delightful on the finish. Drink now or hold.
Picked rather late, in the middle of October, the radiant golden 2018 Maximin Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling Auslese opens with super clear, perfectly ripe and flinty fruit aromas that intertwines ripe peach and mango with crushed blue slate and bitter orange zest notes. Exciting! On the palate, this is a lush, beautifully balanced and seamlessly textured Abtsberg Auslese with a long, salty-piquant, tightly woven and mouthwatering finish. It's still tight and firm, and the grip gives a nearly dry sensation that makes this a great dinner wine—if only you have the patience to wait a decade or more. There is great terroir expression here and nearly no botrytis. 8% alcohol. Tasted from AP 36 19 in June 2019.
Honey, lemon and pineapple. Sweet and tangy on the palate with citrus purity and simplicity. Intense, ripe and vibrant with apricot fruit. Sweet and fresh and all very primary. (JH)