German Wine

Winemaker Description

Delicate, micro-production & precise øø wines from Baden, Germany, rapturously referred to as the hot-bed of classic Burgundy-indebted Pinot Noir. (and, of course, Riesling)

Philipp Reiß is currently in the process of converting his family estate from grape growers to wine producers, and these are the first, errr - fruits of that labor to make it stateside. 

A profound expression of Riesling that, despite having zero additives, sure calls for a decant and some hours for it to truly unfurl its majestic crystalline reach.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Vinous 93 Points | The 2022 Riesling Wiltinger Braune Kupp Spätlese opens with a ripe green-red apple flesh note with overtones of candied angelica and earth after summer rain. The palate almost has an iron-oxide edge framing that juicy ripe red apple fruit soon verging into greengage compote. Ripe lemon pervades all and illuminates a fine smooth texture reminiscent of very fine earth saturated with all that lovely fruit emanating from it. (Sweet) (Drink between 2025-2060)

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

A great entry into the distinct house style of Heymann Lowenstein - offering a textural and plusher experience than your average mosel producer. The Shieferterrassen (slate terraces) see's a small amount of contact with the skins broadening the mouthfeel and adding deeper flavours of citrus and stone fruit with flinty smokiness riding the taut acid spine. Full of personality with immediacy, tension and interest on display. Mitch Milicich, FWC

“A delicate, acutely elegant and mineral wine with an extraordinarily expressive body for this category. A model for the region’s winegrowers!” La Revue du Vin de France

Winemaker Description 

Deep yellow in color, with golden hues. On the nose it evokes aromas of hazelnut, orange peel, and butter. Rich and round on the palate with well balanced acidity and a long finish.

Winemaker Description 

Orange and tangelo, overripe peach and bergamot; juicy and firm, solid yet voluptuous, vaporous and long, plump yet muscular (how many ways can I say it?); a rococo opulent wine yet also seriously devout in its terroir, even as it blushes and giggles. SOS: 2 (8-27 years). 

Expert Review

The wines are deep, rich, powerful and dramatic...pinnacles in the history of dry German Riesling. -- Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate

Winemaker Description 

Light yellow-green in color. Nose of peach and lemon. Mouth-filling, taste of apricot and lemon, great acid level.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 98 Points | Power, complexity and brilliance make this a truly remarkable dry riesling, the touch of creaminess from long sur-lie maturation giving this exactly the soft touch it needs to balance the steely minerality that powers it at the imposing yet totally vibrant finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

An elegant and feminine Riesling with fine fruit of ripe lemon, apricot and pineapple. Juicy and harmonious on the palate, with charming acidity and a fine floral finish.

The Hochheimer 2024 comes from one of the lime-rich southwest-facing slopes of the renowned VDP. Erste Lage (Premier Cru) Hochheimer Hölle – a steep slope above Hochheim am Main, protected from northerly winds and characterized by loess loam and clay marl, which lend this Riesling its structure, depth, and saline tension.

Memo Summary Notes

The designation "Alte Reben" (Old Vines) indicates complexity and depth, while "Trocken" means the wine is bone-dry. The Hochheimer Stielweg vineyard is also designated as a VDP.Erste Lage (First Growth), signifying a top-tier site.

This wine's power and acidity make it a versatile food partner:

• Seafood: Grilled fish, lobster, or scallops.

• Asian Cuisine: Spicy dishes, especially with a balance of sweet and sour.

• Traditional German Fare: Lauchsuppe (leek soup), asparagus, or veal.

Expert Reviews 

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger of 67Wine.com | The Scharzhofberg is considered by many to be the most prestigious vineyard in the Mosel region.  Sipping this beautiful Spatlese from Von Hovel reminded me why it has earned that vaunted reputation.

The nose is stately elegant while at the same time, quite powerful. Yellow fruit and bright white berries marry nicely with lemon zest, spice box, and just a touch of reductive sharpness.  A very definite honey sweetness stretches across the palate with just the right amount of lip-smacking tartness to tie it all together.  Finishes smooth and silky with a lingering trail of honey and brown sugar.

This is one to savor by itself as dessert in its own right, but would be a lovely accompaniment to simple shortbread biscuits, or raspberry tart.