Riesling Westhofener Steingrube dry 2023 (0.75l)

Morstein, Brunnenhäuschen & Kirchspiel are well-known, but Steingrube is somewhat of an underdog among Westhofen's vineyards. This is entirely unjustified, as this massive limestone rock produces highly mineral, powerful Rheinhessen wines par excellence. Florian Fauth creates a Riesling monument from 20-year-old vines, one that grows closer to our hearts with each vintage.

The 2023 Steingrube practically leaps from the glass. A whole basketful of crisp, fresh citrus fruits paired with ripe, yellow exotic fruit. Also some yellow stone fruit, especially ripe, sweet peach. All underpinned by wet stone and limestone and a bright minerality.

It all comes together to form a totally fascinating whole, dancing and shining from the glass, it's simply captivating.

Then, a super-dense, extract-rich texture on the palate. There's ripe yellow stone fruit, ripe citrus, salted lemon, subtle herbal spice, a hint of anise, but everything is dominated by this fantastic structure that encompasses everything. It's so tightly woven, with the finest tannins and intense saltiness, yet dense, smooth, and creamy, yet also very clear and dynamic, never heavy, but simply with an uncanny presence, piquancy, and intensity.

A great Riesling with incredible value for money, which is currently a great pleasure to drink in its boisterous fruit phase. It's available now, but will, of course, undergo a highly exciting development over many years of cellaring.