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93POINTS
17¼/20
Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2016
Mosel, GermanyWeingut Willi Schaefer is a small family winery with a history dating back to 1121. Today's estate is a result of the work of Martha and Willibrord Schaefer, post-World War Two era. Today the property is overseen by their son Willi, who took responsibility for his first harvest in 1971, and their grandson Christoph, who joined the family business in 2002 as co-owner. Their vineyards are filled with up to 100-year-old, ungrafted vines that lie on steep slopes of Devonian blue slate. They work with low intervention, slowly and methodically, in both the vineyard and winery, settling the wines in tank and then fermenting in old, large barrels. With Himmelreich, the fruit generally leads over the minerality, which is the case here. Perfumed pear, elderflower, chamomile, pear curd, plasticine on the tight, energetic palate, light palate. There's a lightness of being here, feeling as effortless at the 7 degree palate. A fine grip and mild white honey wash through the finish. This builds with time in the glass and temperature, and will reward with cellaring. Lovely and pure.Tasted: 10 February 2019Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $55.00 | 375ml | private wine shops |
