2015 Mosbacher Forster Musenhang trocken Riesling Erste Lage

The Musenhang is from limestone soils at the very top of the hill in Forst, right up against the forest. I would say that the Mosbachers are somewhat reknowned for this bottling, as its cool, chiseled limestone punch and citrus fruit freshness offer an undeniably complex Forster experience at a pittance of a ticket price. This bottling is always picked later, and always has a smidge higher acidity than its Erste Lage stablemates. I would say that the ’16 has a gentler sense of attack (8.somethin’ g/L acidity, which ain’t low…) versus the ’15s electric sense of tension (10g/L acidity!), but I think that on a given day and with a given plate, I may prefer the 2016’s inviting sense of playfulness versus the raw power of the 2015. Again, this presents another mixed 6pk opportunity that will offer wonderful comparative tasting. A little * awarded here. 13% alc.

“This high-elevation parcel bordered by forest was picked at the end of the Mosbacher harvest, on October 1, and the site itself as well as the longer hang-time it prompted may explain the bittersweet floral effusion (iris, gentian) and bright fresh-fruit character (lime, white peach) of the aromatics as well as the primary juiciness and animation exhibited on a polished palate. This finishes with exhilarating lift, refreshment and transparency to floral and stony nuances. And I don’t doubt Mosbacher when she predicts even greater refinement with time. Incidentally, the wine boasts 10 grams of acidity, amazingly high for a 2015 from the Pfalz Mittelhaardt, and based on its performance you can bet that acid was almost entirely tartaric.” 92 points David Schildknecht