Lorch Pfaffenwies Riesling Trocken

Score

95

"If you wondered what classic Rhine wine tastes like, this demonstrates what that was a generation ago, and sometimes still is in spite of climate change. Wonderful interplay of stone and citrus fruit aromas with an intense, wet-stone minerality. Super-focused on the medium-bodied palate, the finish is very long and cool with a refreshing herbal thread running through it. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold."

Score

93

"The 2023 Pfaffenwies is clear, deep and pure yet also intense and concentrated on the crunchy/slatey and iodine-inflected nose that shows some gentle lemon notes and a sharp quartzite character. Full-bodied, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a dense, intense and structured, still a little tannic Riesling with concentrated fruit and mineral grip and a good, finely saline and savory finish with well-dosed power. 12% stated alcohol. Diam 30 cork. Tasted in August 2024. To be released in March 2025."

Score

96

"This sleek and tightly wound beauty has the Amalfi-lemon, lime-zest and wild-herb aromas we associate with the top vineyard sites at the northern extremity of the Rheingau. Only medium-bodied, but intensely mineral, this is bristling with racy energy and wet-stone minerality through the long, very focused finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold."

Score

91-93

"The 2022 Riesling Lorcher Pfaffenwies was harvested across six different parcels within this southwest-facing site, dating to the mid-1960s, ranging from slate closer to the river and more quartzite toward the forest. Theresa calls it a "complete picture of the vineyard." It's fermented in Stück and Halbstück. The nose opens with a juicy yellow plum, a frisson of crushed yarrow and rock dust. The palate is concentrated and has something salty, insistent, mouth-watering and savory. Lemony brightness comes with a slight sense of lemon pith and crushed yarrow spice. It's very clear-cut, subtly nutty on the finish with much brightness and understated substance. (Bone-dry)"