2018 Carl Loewen - Thornicher Ritsch Riesling Auslese
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Tasting notes
In striking contrast with its vintage 2017 counterpart, this Auslese issued from healthy grapes, even though the Loewens said that these were picked into two buckets per harvester, so as to allow for the possibility that a Beerenauslese might also result. Musky narcissus, sweetly perfumed honeysuckle, earthy passion fruit and ripe pear offer an alluring as well as site-typically intriguing aromatic display. The polished, subtly creamy palate evinces not just luscious fruitiness but also a remarkable sense of levity and wafting inner-mouth perfume. As Christopher Loewen observed, “This is not one of your opulent Auslesen, but instead a delicate, juicy, glass-clear one.” “This is my favorite wine of the vintage,” added Karl Josef. Liquid florality persists right along with the wine’s luscious fruitiness on a seductively sustained finish that is transparent to slate underpinnings and mouthwateringly salt-tinged, and does an incredible job of hiding 100 grams of residual sugar.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Super fine and fresh for an Auslese with dainty flavors of rose apples and rose water, colored by bright dried lemons and limes. The medium sweetness, though perceptible and deep, is hardly a factor in this wine, as itâs threaded surreptitiously through racy acidity and a bright, lemon-pith texture. Drink now or hold.
Cask sample. The fresh fragrance of ripe regional fruit is assisted in its seductive appeal by a tasteful dash of honey. Nuances of mango and orange bring a slightly exotic character to the luscious sweet expression on the palate. (MS)
The 2018 Ritsch Riesling Auslese displays a yellow-golden citrus color and a ripe, intense and aromatic bouquet of lush stone fruits and delicate slate aromas. Lush and sweet on the palate, this is a charming, piquant and salty Riesling with remarkable finesse but quite a bit of residual sugar (around 90 grams per liter). The finish is precise, very clear and stimulatingly crystalline and salty. Tasted from tank one day before bottling in April 2019.