Mosel Wine

Loosen Bros. Dr. L Dry Riesling — Mosel, Germany 2024

Ernst Loosen is one of the Mosel's most passionate and influential winemakers — a tireless ambassador for German Riesling who has spent decades proving that the grape can be both profound and approachable. Dr. L is his entry-level expression and his most widely sold wine, designed specifically to introduce drinkers to the delicate, racy style that defines Riesling grown in the ancient slate-soil vineyards of the Mosel valley. It is, in Ernst's own words, his "ambassador" for the region — and it delivers that mission at a price that makes it an everyday staple.

The 2024 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is bright and inviting — fresh citrus, green apple, white peach, and the distinctive mineral lift of Mosel slate. On the palate, it's refreshing and fruit-driven with a juicy mid-palate, lively acidity, and a crisp, clean, drying finish. Light, invigorating, and endlessly food-friendly — this is Riesling at its most honest and enjoyable.

"Ernst Loosen's ambassador for the Mosel region and for the Riesling variety — the delicate and racy style characteristic of slate-soil Mosel vineyards, at an affordable price for every day enjoyment." — Loosen Bros.

• Producer: Loosen Bros. (Ernst Loosen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mosel QbA
• Varietal: Riesling
• Style: Dry
• Terroir: Slate-soil vineyards, Mosel Valley
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white peach, slate minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, light salads

The Mosel's most beloved everyday Riesling — slate-driven, refreshing, and priced for every night of the week.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67Wine Buyer, writes: Only 7.5% alcohol. This is about as good as a Mosel Riesling under $20 can be. Rarely do you find a Spätlese of this quality for such a low price. Classic Mosel with bright white currant fruit, clover honey, and an energetic undercurrent of lime zest and slaty minerality. It really explodes on the palate with juicy, mouthwatering fruit and the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Try this paired with breaded, deep-fried button mushrooms dipped in tartar sauce. The combination will make you smile.

Winemaker Description

The Rauen family in the Mosel has been growing grapes for many generations but began bottling their own wine only in 1983. When Harald Rauen took the reins from his father more than 30 years ago, the first thing he did with their vineyards in the slate-rich soils of Detzem and Thornich was to reduce yields to concentrate on quality over bulk. The result is a line of classically clean and elegant Rieslings. His Spätlese is light-bodied and zesty, just a touch sweet, with notes of apricot, lime, and flint.

• Producer: Familie Rauen
• Appellation: Mosel, Germany
• Grape: Riesling
• Style: Spätlese (off-dry)
• ABV: 7.5%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger from 67Wine.com writes | 'Alte Reben' is German for 'Old Vines.'  This estate grown and bottled Riesling comes from a small family winery in the lower Mosel in the tiny village Thörnich.  Discover the beautiful balance and energy of this dry riesling that drinks way above its price point. 

Winemaker Description 

The grapes for this delicious Riesling come from the prized area of Ürziger Würztgarten, in the middle Mosel above the village of Ürzig. Vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel vats, and intentionally released after a minimum of one year in the bottle, it displays classic Mosel mineral and lime notes throughout with bright, crisp acidity and just enough residual sugar to soften the edges.

Memo Summary Notes

The wine is a tribute to Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine, who famously fell in love with German Rieslings during her travels in the early 1800s. Her endorsement made Riesling the "fashionable" drink of the European elite. Dr. Enno Lippold crafts this specific cuvée to capture that historic, elegant style.

Because of residual sugar, this wine is the ultimate pairing for spicy food.

• Thai Green Curry or Spicy Sushi Rolls (with spicy mayo/wasabi). The sugar calms the heat, while the acidity cleanses the palate.

• Classic Roast Pork with Apples: The sweetness of the wine mirrors the fruit in the dish.

Winemaker Description 

This is Lauer’s Platonic ideal of what a Saar Riesling should be. If we were in Burgundy this would be the equivalent of a Bourgogne Blanc.

As an appellation-level wine, it is sourced from multiple vineyards in three different villages of the Saar. This is always a thrilling off-dry and a silly value.

Schloss Lieser SL Feinherb Estate Riesling has herbal and minerally aroma, really flinty on the nose. Has aromas of fruit and slate that lead to a fresh and round palate with a salty finish.

Our Professional Review

Rand of 67Wine.com writes | Crisp and very dry with crunchy green apples and lime zest. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken (2024) is a quintessential example of "modern Mosel"—a dry, high-energy Riesling crafted by one of Germany’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture.

Based in Pünderich, Clemens Busch is renowned for producing wines that are pure, site-specific, and reflect the unique slate soils of the region without the mask of heavy residual sugar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is deep and flinty but bright and clear on the refined and elegant nose with beautiful crushed slate aromas. On the palate, this is a rich, round and generous, incredibly lush and supple but crystalline and even pure Sonnenuhr with a highly stimulating, mouth-watering finish. This 2021 shows the great terroir of the cru, in particular in cool vintages due to its exposition that collects the sun's rays in the morning. 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This shows very little sweetness, but is harmonious and well integrated despite the firm acidity that fuels it. Stone- and orchard-fruit notes are flecked by chrysanthemum and cardamom to create the full-spectrum. The finish is long and persistent.

Winemaker Description 

Cassis and lime zest aromas with tart, salty and slate notes.

Try with yellow curry or spring rolls.

Winemaker Description 

Winemake Description 

Dry, crisp style with great acidity. Sourced from south-western sections of Zeltinger Himelreich, mid-slope and slate grown. Fermented in neutral fuder. Recognizable Pinot Blanc flavors but with the mineral energy of slate.

Importer Memo Notes

Variety: Pinot Blanc • Region: Mosel • Vineyard: Almost entirely from Zeltinger Himmelreich • Soil Type: Blue Devonian slate • Fermentation & Élevage: Natural fermentation in stainless steel.

Winemaker Description 

Mülheimer Sonnenlay Riesling Zeppelin has amaizing aromas of apple, citrus and slate stone with clean and pure structure. The wine has a mineral texture with rich mouth-filling flavours of orchard fruits and juicy layers.

Shows as well zesty and spicy refreshing style. Well balanced structure, animating and the elegant fruit acid finishes with great length.

The estate of Max Ferdinand Richter has been owned by the Richter family for more than 300 years. Today this enterprise, owned and run by winemaker Dirk Richter, is one of the leading producers of top Rieslings in the heart of the central Mosel area with total holdings of 43 acres and an annual production of about 10,500 cases. Richter produces fine wines that are well known throughout the world. They produce a wide variety of wines from estate-grown grapes that reflect the individual style of each single vineyard. The terroir of their steep vineyard sites is generally fresh weathering grey slate.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 95 Points | All the ripeness of this very warm vintage, married to wonderful freshness that gives this the light-footedness of a great dancer. Mostly white fruit, but just a hint of fresh pineapple. Long, silky finish. Drink or hold. (2018). 

Robert Parker 93+ Points | The 2018 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese is discreet yet deep and complex on the elegant and spicy nose that exhibits very fine stone fruit aromas. Round, lush and piquant on the palate, this is a crystalline, piquant, persistently salty and stimulating Himmelreich with fine tannins on the finish that add grip and a very light, food-friendly astringency that moderates away the sweetness. Still young, this is a Spätlese to serve with food in 10-15 years. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This has all of the elements of a great spätlese, with pronounced acidity supporting the ripe peach, yellow apple, mango and spruce flavors, while hints of vanilla and piecrust add to the complexity. Still a bit intense, but this should develop beautifully with age, allowing the minerality to become more prominent. Best from 2022 through 2038. (2018).

Discover the Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese Trittenheimer Apotheke 2021

Winemaker Description 

Concentrated yellow berry fruit and apple skin backed by complex earthy aromas of spontaneous fermentation.  The palate has an excellent balance of delicate sweetness and juiciness, featuring clover honey and citrus. 

This makes you want to go back for another sip, and another, and another. 

Memo Summary Notes

Hailing from the world-famous "Apotheke" (Pharmacy) vineyard in Trittenheim, this 2021 Spätlese is a classic Mosel Riesling. The steep, slate-rich slopes of this site produce wines known for their intense minerality and longevity.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Cuisine: The residual sugar makes it a perfect foil for Thai green curry, spicy Sichuan dishes, or buffalo wings.

• Savory & Sweet: Excellent with glazed pork belly, honey-roasted ham, or aged blue cheeses.

• Seafood: Pairs well with rich seafood dishes like scallops in cream sauce or lobster.

What Makes This Riesling Unique?

This exceptional Riesling, labeled as Spätlese, showcases the unique terroir of the Trittenheimer Apotheke vineyard. It is characterized by its late harvest, which allows the grapes to ripen longer on the vine. This results in a rich and aromatic wine that captivates the senses. With a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this Riesling is truly a delight that stands out among others.

Tasting Notes and Food Pairing

The Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese offers an array of vibrant flavors, including peach, apricot, and honey. These flavors are complemented by lively acidity, creating a refreshing finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as spicy Asian cuisine or creamy cheeses. The combination of flavors makes it easy to see why many people appreciate Riesling as a versatile wine choice.

Why Choose Heribert Boch Wines?

Heribert Boch is renowned for crafting high-quality wines that reflect the distinct character of their region. The meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and winery ensures that only the best grapes are used. Therefore, choosing Heribert Boch means you are investing in a wine that is not only delicious but also represents the essence of German winemaking tradition. This Riesling is no exception, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 97 Points | This very concentrated and super-elegant riesling Auslese is still tightly-wound. However, it already has a very wide spectrum of subtle yellow fruit and wild flower aromas. Terrific structure behind the rich, but still medium-bodied palate. Incredibly long, slatey finish with staggering freshness that pulls you back for more of this Mosel masterpiece. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

Decanter 95 Points | Tangs of cut stone and lime zest are peppered with gunpowder and smoke, but there's a powerful core of ripe lemon, lime and yellow cherry flavours too. While light on its feet, it's an unctuous, supple wine with a pert tangerine sweetness. Quite a bit more expressive in youth than the 2022 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese, it's already hedonistic with a brief decant but certainly ageworthy as well. 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Delivering power and concentration, this is densely packed in a compact frame. Opens up to reveal impressively fresh flavors of dried thyme and apricot. This white's acidity shows a crunchy texture, and a wet slate note brings a cooling feel to the finish. This is one for the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2046.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese is rather shy. The palate tingles with tangerine, ripe, rounded, aromatic, and full of tangy, zesty, sweet, ripe citrus. Wonderfully expressive on the mid-palate and with a subtle finish, full of those vivid aromatics. (Sweet).

Winemaker Description

This Riesling is rich in taste with a fresh, fruity delicate flavor.

Serve slightly chilled.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 96 Points | Here is a great Mosel Kabinett that needs a bit more time to show what it is really made of. Still very young with a pronounced yeasty character that slowly recedes with aeration, but the white peach and honeysuckle aromas that emerge are stunning. Extremely vibrant and precise, the slatey acidity making this fabulously graceful. As pure as an Alpine stream running with glacier water.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This elegant version starts off closed before opening to reveal flavors of jasmine, sweet green apple and Asian pear. Shows impressive purity and inner density, with accents of fresh-cut chive and wet slate. Bitter, pithy acidity moves through, making for the shimmering, razor-edge finish, which lingers. Drink now through 2040. 300 cases imported.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

94 Points James Suckling | Very enticing nose with a wide spectrum of citrus aromas, plus a fresh yellow peach note developing with some aeration, then fresh mint. Very elegant with a wonderful minty coolness that makes this light-bodied off-dry Riesling feel as if it is floating like a cloud. Moderate acidity for this category, but the wine is still extremely vibrant. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2022 Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Kabinett opens with a deep, intense and complex, floral bouquet of weathered slate, ripe citrus and stone fruit aromas intermingled with saline notes. Round, refined and sweet but also mineral, with the lovely stimulating slate expression of the unique Karthäuserhofberg, this is a generous, almost rich but refined and filigreed Kabinett with lingering and salivating salinity and grip.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2022 Riesling Karthäuserhofberg Kabinett has subtle peach and lemon on the nose. The lithe palate is dreamy, bright with lemon, gently sweet, and very tender. A subtle vein of lemon zestiness leaves this to finish in a refreshing, off-dry fashion at roughly 30g/L of residual sweetness. (Off-dry)

Winemaker Description 

The spicy spontaneous nose still dominates, but then the first fruity notes (juicy peach, grapefruit, white currant) and the slate literally pushes itself out of the glass. Very juicy and densely woven on the palate, a lot of melting, sweetness well integrated and countered by the invigorating acidity. A cabinet that will continue to reveal new facets over the next two decades.

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.

Expert Reviews