Dr. Loosen, Erdener Treppchen, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany, 2025

Overview of the Wine
The Dr. Loosen Estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. With ungrafted vines averaging 50 years old, some of the best vineyard sites in Germany (four rated grand cru and two premier cru by both the 1868 German classification and the more current Wine Atlas of Germany), Ernst Loosen has the raw materials for stunningly intense, world-class wines. With crop yields almost half of what is permitted by law, only moderate use of organic fertilizers, and old-fashioned cellar practices, Loosen strives to create wines that unmistakably say, "Riesling, Mosel, and Dr. Loosen." In his own words, "The great winemakers I have met invariably possess a clear concept in their mind of what their wine should be. It's a vision that places terroir over technology, and grape quality over quantity. This is the level of winemaking we pursue at Dr. Loosen. Our goal is to produce wines that are luscious, complex, and true to their roots."

Winemaker
Ernst F. Loosen

Grape / Blend
Riesling

Origin
Mosel, Germany

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Erdener Treppchen translates to 'The Little Staircase of Erden', and is aptly named as the  vineyard is so steep that long ago, stone steps were built into the hillside to enable workers to reach the vines. The site is filled abundant with iron-rich, red slate soil with a firm mineral structure. The vines themselves are over 100 years old and are planted to their own rootstock. The grapes are selectively hand harvest at Spätlese level of ripeness, therefore they are left on the vines a week or two longer.  After harvest the grapes undergo cool fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and traditional Fuder barrels. The fermentation process is stopped by chilling. 

Aromatically the wine has scents of fresh herbal tea leaves, slate, and mixed orchard fruits. On the palate the wine is a combination of sweet and smoky, with crisp acidity hinting towards flavors of lemon and lime.

97 Points - Vinous (2024 Vintage)
The 2024 Riesling Erdener Treppchen Spätlese is a tangerine dream, uniting superb aromatics with gorgeous tanginess. Tanginess in fact, is the central theme on this mouthwateringly bright, vividly juicy, light-footed Riesling. This is simply outstanding and superbly pure. It is an elegant party in a glass, but a party! (Sweet) Barrel Sample: 95-97

97 Points - James Suckling (2024 Vintage)
Very cool and elegant, but that sounds as if this is a lightweight, and in spite of the lightness of the body it has terrific concentration and wonderful salty minerality that electrifies the palate. Then, in the very long and dynamic finish it turns decisively dry. Drink from release.

Product size: 750ml