Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling, Mosel, Germany, 2018
Overview of the Wine
The estate of Max Ferd. Richter has been passed down from father to son for the past 300 years. The current reins are held by Dr. Dirk Richter, the 9th generation, and will eventually be passed down to his son Constantin. The estate produces world-class Rieslings from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the Mosel, and all production comes from estate holdings. Through the entire line of wines, their hallmark balance is evident in every glass.
Throughout the estate, only all-natural fertilizers, sustainable farming, and hand- harvesting are employed. Vineyards are treated as needed so in some vintages some vineyards are entirely ecological. They use pomace, compost and stall manure as fertilizers. Application is in late winter and early spring. Overall, they are trying to minimize waste, water and energy consumption.
This monopole is a southwest-facing vineyard slope of just two acres. The vineyard was planted in 1964, but the first historic record dates back to 30th April 1245! The vineyard was dedicated by the Count of Veldenz to the nearby convent from which it took its name “Helenenkloster” (St. Helene’s convent.)
Sustainable.
Grape / Blend
Riesling
Origin
Mosel, Germany
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This is a sweet yet highly refined and piquant Beerenauslese sold as a three-starred or "highly finessed" Auslese. This is a really delicate and promising Sonnenuhr of great class and style, with lingering and stimulating finesse and salinity.
97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The first three-starred Auslese since 2005 (prior to that, it was 1993, 1983 and 1975), the 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** was picked at about 145° Oechsle. This is incredibly clear, pure, fine and fresh on the lush, concentrated, herbal and grapefruit-scented nose. On the palate, this is a generously lush, refined and salty-piquant Auslese with a tight mineral structure and lingering salinity. This is highly refined and extremely stimulating. It already drinks all too well today, but Constantin recommends cellaring it for at least 10 years. Tasted in March 2019.
90 Points - Vinous
More obviously overripe in aromas and flavors as well as softer in feel than the corresponding Graacher Himmelreich, this Wehlener features quince jelly, candied apple, decadent Persian melon and mango on an effusive nose and a flatteringly creamy, glossy but buoyant palate. There is just enough of a hint of fresh fruit (apple, melon and pear) juiciness for the finish to encourage the next sip, and sweetness comes off as only slightly sticky. Will any non-fruit elements emerge with time, and will the sweetness back off? Interestingly, Richter reported that this is his one vintage 2018 Auslese that incorporated no botrytis.
Product size: 750ml
