2013 Weingut Muller-Catoir, Muskateller Trocken, Haardt, Pfalz Germany.
I think this Muller-Catoir Haardt Muskateller Trocken is the greatest dry Muscat wine on earth, and the latest release is absolutely gorgeous with white flowers and jasmine scents, lively lemon/lime and green apple fruit with lifting and framing acidity plus a bright mineral rich character. Muller-Catoir, imported by Terry Theise, is one of Germany’s most prized wineries, located in the Pfalz, making world class dry and sweet Riesling from Haardt, but they also produce wonderfully crafted other varietals with this Muskateller and especially their Scheurebe being some of their best examples. The Haardt wines come from sloping hills, yellow sandstone soils and distinct micro climates to highlight it’s unique Pfalz terroir, and while I adore the Muller-Catoir Rieslings, it is always exciting to taste the Muskateller and the 2013 does not disappoint, and I highly recommend getting some of this rare and beautiful white wine from Germany. The 2013 starts with that exotic floral perfume, it has a brilliant light greenish/yellow hue and the palate is crisp and delicate with brisk dryness and vivid energy, but enough body to be succulent and delivers a divine mouth feel with melon, spicy notes, sweet herbs, a whiff of mint, and finishes with just the right amount of saltiness. This wine is extremely well crafted and lingers on with white peach notes on the aftertaste, this is a stunning light bodied white that takes Muscat to new heights of quality and pleasure, drink from 2015 to 2018.
($44 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
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