2010 Westhofen MORSTEIN Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken Wittmann, Rheinhessen (1,5l)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 2010 Westhofen MORSTEIN Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken, Wittmann

Peach kernel and lemon rind render the Wittmann 2010 Westhofener Morstein Riesling Grosses Gewachs piquant on the nose as well as on a subtly oily, palpably high-extract, tartly juicy palate. There is formidable grip and persistence, even if of a somewhat austere sort, featuring counterpoint among stone, fruit pit and citrus. Salinity serves for some welcome stimulation of the salivary glands, but let there be no mistake: we have here one dense, chewy ball of Riesling sinew. It may well retain freshness for close to a decade, but is likely to remain much more formidable than fun to drink. (Ok, I overstate: many of those Germans most knowledgeable and passionate about wine seem to really relish drinking austere, tart, adamant Riesling to a degree that I – not somebody who considers “lean” pejorative, mind you! – have trouble accepting. I re-tasted the 2007 Morstein alongside the 2010, and it’s showing some interestingly fusil, smoky, sweaty, indeed downright animal aromatic development, while remaining firm but juicy.) - David Schildknecht, Dez. 2011

Mosel Fine Wines - 2010 Westhofen MORSTEIN Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken, Wittmann

The 2010er Morstein Riesling GG, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is comparatively restrained at first, but quickly develops a deep and ripe nose of nut, almond paste, minty herbs, strawberry, a hint of toffee, and lots of spices. Flavors of white peach, grapefruit, and lime are packed into a blanket of spices and animating tartness on the compact, dense, and intense palate. The wine then leaves one with an intense and dynamic feel in the very persistent but also slightly baroque finish. This dry Riesling is clearly quite ostentatious, but its overall balance and density are hugely impressive. Now-2025+. - Apr. 2020