2013 Kruger-Rumpf, Riesling, Munsterer Dautenpflanzer, Feinherb, Nahe Germany.
This is marvelous Riesling, and it will be surely a most sought after wine, it comes from the Grand Cru of Dauntenpflanzer which is set in sand and loam, though there are areas of mixed slate soils intermixed, this adds to the complexity and exotic nature found in this wine. Tasting it with Georg Rumpf earlier this summer it was showing as well as any in his impressive lineup of 2013’s, and I’m sure it will only get better and better, requiring an uptick in rating in the future, without question this is a fabulous Riesling, it is mostly dry, though not dry enough to be a Trocken, or Grosses Gewachs, thats is why it’s labeled Feinherb, but don’t be confused this is not a sweeter or lighter version, this is as good as almost GG out there, and I real secret value in Nahe Riesling! The 2013 vintage is really turning out to be excellent in the bottle, and while you’d need to find the top producers in this small crop, and difficult year, there are some fantastic offerings available, and I highly recommend getting some Kruger-Rumpf, they really crafted an amazing set of wines in 2013, especially this beautiful Dautenpflanzer Feinherb. The 2013 Kruger-Rumpf Feinherb from Munsterer Dautenpflanzer shows an array of scents in the bouquet, ranging from citrus to ocean mist, including wild blossoms, tropical notes and earthy spices, with some fine mineral detail and yellow fruits leading to a dense palate of green apple, lime, mango and apricot as well as creamy peach flesh and tangy tangerine and grapefruit plus saline, steely notes, river stones, sweet and sour herbs, truffle and lemon zest. This is dynamic and fresh Riesling, easy to enjoy now, but with wonderful aging potential, being a tad off dry helps with the balance in this youngster and it will be sensational with cuisine even now, I can easily imagine this wine being a cellar prize in 10 to 12 years, though difficult to keep around being as delicious as it is, much praise to the team at Kruger-Rumpf for their efforts is deserved, this is great stuff, poised, elegant, detailed and intriguing. The long finish which has a touch of honeyed pear, kiwi, brine, coconut and crisp stony elements is gorgeous, drink from 2015 to 2026.
($29 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive