Weingut Wagner Stempel - Heerkretz Riesling GG 2021

JAMES SUCKLING: "As delicate as a bunch of chamomile, yet as focused and powerful as a laser beam, this is a super-cool and mineral dry riesling that packs enormous depth into a sleek silhouette. Still extremely young and just beginning to show its real class. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2024."

DECANTER: "Dating back to 1845, the estate is based in Siefersheim, west of Rheinhessen. Proprietor Daniel Wagner is the ninth generation of the Wagner family, taking over in the early 1990s. He is responsible for the estate’s prominence today, as well as its conversion to organic methods. The Heerkretz vineyard has gravel and clay-loam soils. The wine was fermented in tanks before being aged in medium and large German oak barrels. Caro Maurer MW: Clearly defined, expressive aromas of lemon and lime. Full-flavoured, with initial ripe notes mingling in. Great concentration and length. Mark Dearing: A clean display of green fruits and brambly herbs with nice contoured acidity. All very well balanced. Stefan Neumann MS: Intense. This has broad shoulders with depth. Yellow apple, slightly spiced. Dense but fairly giving in terms of fruit. Slightly restrained but showing enough to keep you engaged."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Coming from a problematic, low-yielding vintage with a rainy summer but a very sunny September, the 2021 Heerkretz Riesling GG is based on the fruit picked between the 10th and 28th of October. This is reflected in a beautifully open and aromatic bouquet that is almost as generous as Gewurztraminer but speaks clearly of Riesling with a flinty accent. It is very clear, deep and intense on the super elegant and irresistible nose. Round, rich but savory and pure on the palate, with fine tannins intertwining with the saline acidity and herbal notes toward the finish, this is a beautiful Heerkretz with body and soul. It's generous and complex and made to be aged. Very long and pure, this is a picture-book Heerkretz. 13% stated alcohol. Diam cork. Tasted in August 2023."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "A savory mineral element opens up this dry white, then leads it to juicy yet refined flavors of Korean pear, dried pineapple, apricot and quince. Intense and mouth filling, with plenty of stone and mineral notes and a finish filled with hints of pepper and chalk. It is incredibly open for the vintage, but better to wait a few more years. Best after 2025. "

WEINWISSER: "Einladender, gelbfruchtiger Duft mit grünlicher Würze. Am Gaumen recht fleischig und etwas opulenter im Ansatz, bleibt ausgewogen und präzise. Balanciert mit großer Feinheit auf der gelbfruchtigen Seite. Leiser Charakter mit viel Charme, öffnet sich nur langsam, Muss reifen."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Smells of pineapple and guava, ripe lemon. Stony and steady on the concentrated citrus palate. A smoky, earthy tension keeps a tight check on the lime and grapefruit. Densely woven, compact. Plenty of focused precision."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A complex, alluring version, offering persimmon, spiced apple and pear flavors that take an earthy turn on the palate, with notes of salty brine, honey and savory green herbs. Ground ginger and salted buttercream accents bounce along the persistent finish, with juicy acidity maintaining focus. Distinctive, dense and well done. 20 cases imported."