2018 Ayl KUPP Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken Faß 18 Peter Lauer, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (0,75l)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 2018 Ayl KUPP Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken Faß 18, Peter Lauer

Lauer's 2018 Kupp Fass 18 (Ayler Kupp Riesling GG) displays an intense golden-yellow color and opes with a deep, fresh and concentrated bouquet of lemon confit and spicy-mineral slatey notes. Round, lush and intense, with concentration but also finesse and even freshness, this is a full-bodied, juicy and very aromatic but tightly structured Riesling with a long, intense finish. Impressive but probably not such a spectacular long-distance runner. Bottled nine days before I tasted it on June 21, 2019. Release date: September 2019. - Stephan Reinhardt, Aug. 2019

Mosel Fine Wines - 2018 Ayl KUPP Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken Faß 18, Peter Lauer

The 2018er Kupp Fass 18 GG, as it is referred to on the consumer label, displays a superb nose of dried fruits, smoke, almond cream, candied citrus and a hint of camphor. The wine proves superbly playful on the palate where a light touch of creamy fruits is well wrapped and balanced by a nicely tickly acidity. It leaves one with a tart feel, which still needs to integrate in the very long finish. Beautifully smoky and herbal elements come through in the after-taste. Only an underlying feel of power has kept us from rating this superb dry Riesling higher. 2022-2028

Vinous - 2018 Ayl KUPP Riesling Grosses Gewächs Q.b.A. trocken Faß 18, Peter Lauer

Bittersweet notes of floral perfume, zesty kumquat, lime and roux mark the penetrating nose, and there is a corresponding piquant concentration of flavors on the full-bodied, subtly oil palate. A tart edge of crab apple, sizzle of sage and influx of mineral salts serve for invigoration and salivary stimulation on a gripping and multifaceted finish, albeit one that may disappoint those seeking refreshment. I can’t see the point of insisting that this wine needs time to reveal its stature, much less to be enjoyed – even though that seems to be the consensus among fellow critics. But the fact that it’s slightly lower in alcohol than its two 13% siblings renders it, in my experience, less likely to become encumbered by heat or harshness six or eight years on. That said, I have chosen to be conservative in my prognosis of ageability, and I would want to carefully monitor any bottles that resided in my cellar. - David Schildknecht, Juli 2020