2016 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese*** goldene Kapsel Markus Molitor, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (0,75l)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese*** goldene Kapsel, Markus Molitor

Tasted along with the three-starred 2016 Hubertuslay Auslese, Molitor's 2016 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is more discreet and flinty on the nose than the Kinheimer counterpart. (I'd love to open a second bottle to make sure this is the wine and not the cork, but I had just a single bottle.) It has bright fruit flavors and a lot of crushed stones but is still shy after pouring. The palate is highly elegant, pure, vital, salty and piquant: Graacher Himmelreich at its very best. With very fine raisin flavors, this has the filigree crystalline structure and stimulating salinity that makes the Himmelreich one of the most exciting single vineyards along the Middle Mosel. The finish is super clean, piquant and mouthwatering, with good grip and an almost dry (or mineral) finish. I recommend cellaring the 2016 for another 5 to 10 years. Tasted May 2018. - Stephan Reinhardt, Mai 2018