From weathered gray carbon slate, the 2016 Nahe Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle "GG" is excitingly pure, coolish, fresh and crystalline on the nose, where flinty scents are displayed and intermix with ripe, precise and subtle fruit aromas. This is an aristocrat! Full-bodied, intense and lush on the palate, this is a highly elegant Riesling with very fine crystalline acidity and lingering piquancy. Dense and aromatic on the aftertaste but far too young to be enjoyed today, keep it at least for another 5 years.

RS 4 g/l, TA 7.5 g/l. Even though this is quite tight and introvert, it’s super-enticing, with a stony/dusty etched purity to the aroma, and just a light herbal quality. Much more expressive on the palate. There’s more site than fruit showing at the moment but you can taste the foundation of fruit purity. So refined and so persistent. Wonderful. (JH)