2013LauerX2013 Weingut Peter Lauer, Riesling “Barrel X” Ayl, Saar (Mosel) Germany.
The family Lauer own a hotel and restaurant in Ayl on the Saar River and run a small winery next door, the Weingut Peter Lauer makes mostly dry style wines and almost everything is from the famous Ayler Kupp mountain home to distinct parcels and terroirs that have wonderful south-eastern exposures and good slopes, this is the perfect home for mineral intense Riesling, and Peter’s two sons Peter (3rd) and Florian run the estate with most winemaking in the capable hands of Florian who calls his wines “Rieslings for advanced learners”. I had not had any Lauer Riesling prior to today and I was quite impressed with their basic offering made for their US importer Vom Boden Imports, the Barrel X which is bright, tangy and full of sizzle. The Saar intrigues me, though my experience is limited with only a few top producers, so it was cool to be introduced to something new, many thanks to Stevie and Josiah at Bay Grape, an urban hip wine store in Oakland, for stocking it and for the nice wine rep that shared it with us, this is a great new place to explore wine, be sure to check it out. The 2013 Weingut Peter Lauer Barrel X starts with citrus pulp, granny smith apples and green apple skin, sea salt and steely mineral essences along with hints of lime, mint and citron, all delivered in a light high-toned style that is very dry feeling, though there is some RS to give balance. This wine does pack loads of acidity and is lip smacking making it a fine summer sipper, it is super refreshing and at 10.4% it won’t weigh you down, and it finishes crisp with a touch of dry extract, more apple and a wet stone chalkiness, drink now.
($26 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive

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