The 2018 Riesling Terra Montosa is the second wine of the "grands crus" Berg Roseneck, Berg Schlossberg and Berg Rottland (Rüdesheim) as well as the Nonnenberg (Rauenthal). The 2018 vintage has a much higher Berg Schlossberg share than usual because of very strict selections in that iconic cru that suffered from heat and drought in 2018. Vinified in large oak (1,200-liter stück and 600-liter halbstück) and aged on the lees until the end of July 2019, this is a round and elegant, fine and lush, dry Riesling with charming fruit, a fine tannin structure and aromatic as well as tensioned length. The clear nose is fine and absolutely delicious. Tasted in August 2019.

Pear and lime are marked by seed piquancy on the nose. The midpalate impression is of stimulating piquancy, pithy concentration and underlying firmness. To an even more striking extent than with this year’s village-designated wines, alkaline, stony and mouthwateringly saline traces seem to be deposited almost indelibly on the finish, although attended by a bit less clarity, buoyancy (despite just 12% alcohol) or sheer juiciness. This year’s “Terra Montosa” is almost exclusively Rüdesheimer Berg, as the estate’s Rauenthal vines performed so well that most of their fruit was retained for the two Rauenthal-specific bottlings.