2012 Eva Fricke, Riesling, Lorch Trocken, Rheingau, Germany.
Eva Fricke’s 2012’s are turning out to be a fantastic set of wines, these Rieslings are evolving in the bottle into wonderfully balanced and detailed wines, with the Lorcher Trocken really making an impression. Over the last few vintages there has been a honing of focus and harmony that is now defining them and highlighting the true talents of this rising star, Fricke, who has crafted an elegant and noteworthy lineup that in my book represent her best efforts to date. 2012 gave all the right ingredients for Fricke to work with and she made good use of them, I especially love the vitality and transparency she wove into the Lorch dry Riesling that shows a deft touch and restraint, but still gives enough extract and tension to be a very serious wine. The nose on the Lorcher Trocken shows orange blossom, verbena, white tea, hints of seawater and flinty mineral spice leading to a delicate palate of lime, ripe peach, tangerine and green melon along with touches of bright apple, light tropical essence and wet stones. This crisp and beautiful Riesling is bursting with underlying energy and vibrancy, but still manages to be graceful throughout, there is a sublime sense of zen in this wine and it is charming and seductive from start to finish, and there is more to come, patience has it’s rewards here, drink from 2014 to 2022.
($26 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive