2011 Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Auslese, Gunderloch, Rheinhessen
The Rothenberg vineyard, so named due to its red slate soil, is 80% owned by the Gunderloch estate and is their most iconic site. This is a complex and powerful wine. The nose is open and expressive, with appealing peach and white flower notes and a hint of spice. Wild-flower honey characters are to the fore on the palate, melding with notes of raisined fruit, warm hay and an almost-clove-like spice. Zesty, grapefruit acidity runs throughout, giving this a lovely sense of balance and preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. Finishing fresh and pure, this is a tour-de-force of Rhine Riesling.