Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Auslese Gold Kapsel Riesling 2018 375ml 95 pts Robert Parker, 94 pts Falstaff

95 Points Robert Parker | The 2018 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Auslese is deep and noble in its finesse and purity that is paired with notes of crushed stones but also perfectly ripe and healthy fruits. Lush and piquant on the palate, with lingering salinity and finesse, this is the more graceful Auslese, which is less challenging than the Brücke but very delicate and finessed. The acidity is finer and the sweetness smoother and more charming yet less dramatic right now.

Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel – Grand dessert wine – tropical fruits balanced to perfection against a glorious mineral acidity. For over 100 years, the Hermannshöhle has been revered as the Nahe‘s top-ranked site and the benchmark by which all other vineyards in the region are judged. It takes its name from a small mine, or “Höhle”, in the middle of the hillside. “Hermann” is derived from Hermes, the Roman god of messengers and travelers, and the name likely hints at an ancient place of worship once located here. This site faces due south and lies 130 –175 m above sea level. Its soils are primarily blackish gray slate mixed with extrusive igneous rock, porphyry and limestone. For generations, this marvelous site has shaped expectations for what fine wines from the Nahe can achieve. Winemaker Description.