2012 Weingut Knebel, Riesling, Von den Terassen, Trocken, Mosel Germany.
Matthias Knebel’s 2012 wines are a fantastic collection of pure Mosel Rieslings, he used stainless steel for fermentation and aging, preserving the dynamic freshness and showcasing the vintage in it’s truest form, these Mosel wines are a huge success for a new generation winemaker. The single Cru wines are each unique and wonderful examples of varied terroir, but I found absolute joy and pleasure in the 2012 Von Den Terrassen, this dry “Trocken” style Mosel offers intensity and extract, though is perfectly balance with beautiful fruit and was perfectly crafted. Knebel’s 2011 vintage was a breakthrough achievement no question, but these 2012 wines are even better, these wines confirm Matthias Knebel as a star in the making, I highly recommend trying his 2012 Rieslings, particularly his regular Trocken, his Hamm single cur and this gorgeous Von den Terassen, made from only terraced, steep slopes, where more vigorous flavors seem to ooze from these historic vines above the Mosel River. The Von den Terassen starts with bright citrus, white roses, saline, white tea and spice before leading to a refined and intensely dynamic palate with lime, melon, pineapple, white plum and peach fruits along with steely mineral, wet stones, briny notes, hints of chalk, minty sweet basil, flint and tangy acidity. There is a sense of lightness, but turns almost creamy with every sip, though there is plenty of vibrancy and zest here, this is a suburb effort and finely detailed wine of classic form. Knebel’s Von den Terassen will drink nicely for a decade if not more, drink from 2014 to 2026.
($24 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
