Variety: Riesling • Region: Nahe • Vineyard: Norheimer Dellchen • Soil Type: Grey slate subsoil covered with a layer of porphyry • Fermentation & Élevage: Fermented and matured in a mixture of stainless steel vats and neutral 10+-year-old 1200L German stückfass from Hösch.
Norheimer Dellchen:
Steep cliffs of extrusive igneous rock (porphyry and melaphyr) rise directly from the banks of the River Nahe between Norheim and Niederhäusen. Between those cliffs are small hollows, known in the local dialect as “Dellchen”. The slate soils here are mixed with the stony precipitate sedimentary rock of the adjacent volcanic cliffs. The extremely steep, perfectly south-facing slope is terraced by dry stone walls that demand a rigorous level of labor-intensive care. Protected by the surrounding cliffs, the Riesling grapes enjoy an extremely long hang time and year for year achieve perfect levels of ripeness.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2022
Country:
Germany
Region:
Nahe
Appellation:
Nahe
Variety:
Riesling
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | DE-DHF-17-22 | 6/750ml |
| Magnum | DE-DHF-17-22M | 3/1500ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2023-11-13
"What an exquisite stone fruit nose this super-fine and filigree dry riesling has! Yes, it is also very concentrated, but this and the power are completely underplayed. The result is an almost weightless palate that hangs like a white cloud in the still air. Extraordinary purity and precision at the almost endless finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold."
Vinous
Score
94-96
Date
2023-09-28
"The 2022 Riesling Norheimer Dellchen Grosses Gewächs unites volcanic and shale soils. The site benefits from underground aquifers. The nose opens with a smoky slate note leading to the lemon- and lime-edged ripe stone fruit. The entire impression is one of yellow-fruited, ripe juiciness. This verges more and more into a yellow spectrum of citrus, perfumed and almost tender. The palate keeps this juicy fruit and dips it into tingling saltiness. Generosity, ripeness, saltiness and textural elements of pear peel and citrus zest unite into a very energetic, driven, almost urgent wine. The finish on the tongue is linear, but the aromas expand and take flight. (Bone-dry)"
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2023
James Suckling
Score
100
Date
2024-08-08
"This dry riesling has a hypnotic beauty that leaves no doubt how this wine redefines what peachy means in the context of this grape variety. As it aerates, a wealth of wild berry and flower nuances develop and expand. Given the mind-bending concentration of this wine, it is staggeringly fresh and absolutely precise. Then comes the finish, which is like a prima ballerina dancing on pointe off into the distance. Drink from release."
2023
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2024-10-31
"At least since the magical 2020 vintage, this grand cru is becoming another Dönnhoff (and Nahe) icon wine next to the estate's Hermannshöhle GG. The 2023 Norheimer Dellchen Riesling trocken GG is bright and clear on the elegant and finely juicy as well as spontaneously inviting nose that indicates perfectly ripe and healthy Riesling fruit that is fully intermingled with the terroir-driven flinty notes. Perfectly round and finessed on the palate, this is a full-bodied, dense and finely juicy, then utterly saline and savory as well as buoyant Dellchen that pairs purity with intensity and a long, complex and promising finish. This is superbly balanced and full of joy. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in August and October 2024."
2023
Vinous
Score
95-97
Date
2024-09-03
"The 2023 Riesling Norheimer Dellchen Grosses Gewächs is grown on porphyry with a shale cover. The vines are sheltered and have underground aquifers. A tender lemon zest note holds traces of white summer blossom, wet stone and a touch of chervil—beautifully tender. The slender palate, likewise, is lemon-dominated, bright, sunny and friendly in its citric smile. The 2023 is agile, tingling and slender with a subtle stoniness. This is as wonderfully pervasive, tart and palate-cleansing as lemon sorbet. (Bone-dry)"
2023
Wine Spectator
Score
92
Date
2025-07-31
"There's impressive density to this complex, layered white. Grapefruit pith acidity courses throughout, buoying melon, orchard fruit and honeycomb notes. Sharply focused, with intensity to its crushed shale and mineral energy. Bone-dry and well-built for a long life ahead. Best from 2026 through 2040. 50 cases imported."
2023
Jancis Robinson
Score
16
Date
2024-09-26
"Herby citrus aroma. Very high acid with moderate body to balance. Perhaps just a little lean in the middle but intensely pure. (JH)"
2021
Wine Advocate
Score
100
Date
2022-08-25
2021
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2022-08-03
2020
James Suckling
Score
99
Date
2021-08-07
2020
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2021-09-23