2015 Schlossgut Diel, Riesling Auslese, Pittermannchen, Nahe Germany.
The absolutely stunning and lavishly detailed Pittermannchen Auslese, was one of the top highlights of my recent visit to Germany, this is a phenomenal wine of richness and elegance with a thick and velvety texture and sweet, but not cloying layers of fruit. There is a hint of honey, but seems to be without noble rot influence, it’s more about purity and terroir than one might expect in such a decedent wine, in fact the class and style in this gorgeous example make it a wine to enjoy with food, a meal as a contrast to briny or savory cuisines. This is a wine that doesn’t need or want dessert to match, nor do you need to think of it as an after dinner specialty, you might enjoy it more pre food in truth or even with oysters to wet your appetite, though admittedly it would be best for a special occasion. This is a wine for the ages, with structure, brilliance and length, it’s only a glimpse of it’s future self at this stage, it’s only going to get better and better over the next 20 or so years, maybe 50 or more if cellared well, and when using that perspective, it is a wonderful value and one that will offer great rewards on the investment. The Pittermannchen is a unique Grand Cru site with slate, quartz and gravel on steep south facing slopes, this gives the wine mineral tones, power and exotic flavors with a cascade of sexy yellow and white fruits, tropical notes and spicy/mineral tones with apricot, apple butter, pineapple, quince, creme brûlée and hints of orange marmalade with wet stones, flinty elements and honeyed peaches and lemon curd. With a unique lime flower, rose petal and nectarine lift, this Diel Auslese is a masterpiece of balance and depth, again this is only the raw shadow of what this beautiful wine will become, patience is a virtue, especially with a wine such as this. Caroline Diel’s 2015 Rieslings are all rock stars, with her GG’s and Trockens leading the way, but this is one that should not be overlooked, think of it’s sweetness as richness and mouth feel, it will win over even the most dry wine only fanatic, especially with some age, and Diel is not the only Nahe producer to kill it with Auslese in 2015, Kruger-Rumpf and Donnhoff too made mind-blowing sweet Spatlese and Auslese wines! This is a timeless classic, proving judging a wine on must weight or sugar alone is insane, this is fantastic stuff!
($40 Est. 375ml.) 97 Points, grapelive
