2011 Weingut Dr. Heyden, Silvaner Trocken, Alte Reben, Rheinhessen.
Here is a steal, an Old Vine Silvaner from the Rheinhessen for under $15, this is intense and interesting stuff with good character and depth. Dr. Heyden is a fairly new winery, started by Herr Doctor Karl Heyden in 1999 and is located in Oppenheim, in the Nierstein region, an area known for quality. The Estate is run by Karl’s son Frank, who also makes the wines, they produce a big selection of offerings from Pinot Noir to sparkling, of course mostly Riesling, but I found this Silvaner Alte Reben the most interesting. The 2011 is ripe, being from a warm vintage and is well crafted, they used stainless steel in the fermentation process then aged it in large oak cask, giving the wine a rich detail and a golden hue with nice vigor, cut and length. The Dr. Heyden Silvaner flows with key lime, peach, nectarine and kumquat with an almost Riesling feel showing a firm acid profile and mineral essence along with flinty spice and savory elements, this is crisp, taught and dry Silvaner at it’s value priced best! This is certainly a wine to enjoy now, but can age another few years easy, also this is a wine that is often found while traveling in Germany, at around six Euros and on wine lists at local restaurants in the Rhine region, this is nice juice and a fun wine from a charming family run estate.
($13 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive