Niederhäuser Klamm Auslese 2011 (0.75l)

40-60 year-old Riesling vines, grown on volcanic rock in the heart of the Niederhäuser Klamm, the steepest site in the entire growing region. Fermented spontaneously, long lees aging, and steel ageing. A light golden yellow in the glass, the nose reveals ripe citrus fruit, particularly orange and tangerine, underscored by a subtle, herbal spice in the background; clean, fresh, and invigorating. In the mouth, again, plenty of ripe citrus fruit, bathed in light honey, underpinned by herbal notes and a light piquancy—everything is reminiscent of late summer. The texture is creamy, silky, and crystal-clear. Despite the site's extreme southerly exposure and the very hot 2011, there's no trace of overripeness or heat; everything is wonderfully fine and elegant. It stands tall now and will certainly continue to do so for the next 10-15 years.