Fritz Haag, Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett, Riesling, Mosel, Germany, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Fritz Haag whose family has been engaged in viticulture at Brauneberg since 1605, is the town's most important proprietor. Using traditional cellar techniques and careful, selective harvesting he produces Brauneberger wines that have power and elegance with fine Riesling fruit and a subtle slate background in balance with generous fruity acids. One of his ancestors was a co-founder of the Brauneberger-Juffer-Sonnenuhr vineyard site. At present, the Fritz Haag estate owns the largest and best portion of this vineyard. All sites are 100% Riesling.

A sixth-century chronicle state that the vineyards of Brauneberg were "propter vinum" (because of wine) bequeathed to Verdun, France, then an important Roman commercial center. Napoleon paid tribute to the Brauneberger wines by fixing their prices above those of all other Mosel wines. When, in 1806, the Mosel vineyard sites were divided into classes according to the quality of their wines, Brauneberg was the only name in the first rank.

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Winemaker
Wilhelm Haag

Grape / Blend
Riesling

Origin
Mosel, Germany

Tasting Notes
The Brauneberg is an isolated, south-facing hill that is one of the drier vineyards in the area, a great advantage in this wet, northern climate. The steep slope is terrifyingly extreme, and has been a notable vineyard site since the Roman times. A selection of early-picked fruit from both the Juffer and Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyards, the Brauneberger Riesling Kabinett has a very fine, delicate structure and pure, enervating fruitiness that exemplifies the Fritz Haag style. 

Aromatically the wine is bright and fruit focused, with ripe, crunchy orchard fruit scents as well as a hint of minerality. On the palate the wine is delightfully juicy, with notes of white peaches, honeysuckle, and a ending note of acidity.

95 Points - James Suckling
So elegant and refined in spite of the generous peach fruit, this has a freshness like the first days of spring as the first green grass and flowers appear. What a precise balance of racy acidity and floral delicacy this has on the pristine, light-bodied palate. Very focused and pure finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett needs a little time to shed its sulfur, but underneath lies fine citrus with supple grapefruit spice. The palate is sweet and light, serene with bright lemon and vividly slender, focusing on a lemon core that runs deep and long. 

Product size: 750ml