2020 Bürklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Altenburg Riesling Premier cru

Description

“Complex fresh-herb and floral nose with a reserved mirabelle aroma, the emphasis firmly on the mineral side, and all packed into a sleek silhouette. Needs some time, but very good aging potential. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.” 94 points Stuart Piggott

“Too bad Bürklin-Wolf owns only two very small parcels in this cool, woods-rimmed, relatively well-watered Einzellage, because it consistently conduces to a wine of intrigue and finesse. And a site like this obviously has advantages in hot, dry growing seasons such as are becoming increasingly common. (South across the communal line lies similarly advantaged Forster Musenhang.) The nose is one of those that make you wonder that such scents can come from grapes – an experience more familiar from Pinot Noir than from Riesling. Musky floral and animal notes are allied to pungent green herbs and crushed stone. The glossy, expansive palate presents a mouthwateringly Chablis-like evocation of sweet-saline, chalky, herbal, nutty and meaty raw oyster piquantly accented with lemon and lime seeds. At the same time, an abundance of white peach leads to a finish at once vibrant and rich, lusciously fruity and crammed with mineral, herbal and animal complexity. Notwithstanding the “P.C.” on its label, this wine isn’t just grand cru in my book; it’s grand cru on a rare order of complexity and energy. I took the bottle down into Bürklin-Wolf’s cellar so that I could retaste it right after having experienced its “G.C.” counterparts (culminating in an amazing Pechstein), and this Altenburg gave virtually no ground.” 95 David Schildknecht for the 2018, NOT THE 2020 OFFERED HERE