2015dielvdn2015 Schlossgut Diel, Riesling Feinherb, Von Der Nahe, Germany.
The wonderful and lushly textured Von Der Nahe is a slightly off dry style Riesling of great poise and vibrancy, but with opulent and rich character, it was exclusively crafted for Terry Theise by the talent Caroline Diel from all estate grown grapes. This Feinherb, which feels like it has close to Spatlese density, but with a drier tone that is less severe that the intensely crisp and brisk Trockens, this makes for a gateway wine that pleases everyone and can help expand the mind in both and dry style and the more sugar driven styles, like Spatlese and Auslese. Schlossgut Diel’s Von Der Nahe delivers that perfect combination of a lavish hedonistic tease and the verve/energy filled mineral expression that only Riesling can give, and all that at a wonderful price, especially given the quality and pedigree in this wine. While an entry level offering, this is very serious stuff from Diel and should not be over looked as a wine that be cellared either, this should be sleeper, even though it is fun and vital now, this can easily surprise and reward with 10 or 15 years of age. The 2015 vintage for Diel is dreamlike, all of Caroline’s wines are just gorgeous and stunning in detail and class, and this Von Der Nahe is no exception with bright golden pale hues in the glass and some impressive depth of character and layers on the palate of tart apple, peach, apricot and lime fruit with touches of tropical exoticness and zesty tangerine and an almost melon fleshy creaminess along with balancing acidity, saline and crunchy stones as well as liquid mineral. There is a roundness in the mouth and hint of sweetness to be sure, though overall you’d almost swear it was dry, and finish is impressive too with lingering orange, white cherry, fig, flinty spices and a touch of dusty earth and crystalized ginger. This wine hits all the right notes and has subtle complexity and refinement with just the right amount of flamboyance and flair to stand out while young plus it is extremely flexible for cuisine choices. Feinherbs are rare and interesting examples of richer bodied Rieslings that have a bit more sugar that is permitted to be called Trocken, this year there are a few real stand outs from Carl Loewen, Spreitzer, Selbach-Oster and of course this Schlossgut Diel Von Der Nahe, be sure to check them out, it’s a style that has loads of appeal for both the novice and those Riesling experienced!
($25 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive

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