As I indicated in my introduction, the Rheingau is one of the most successful regions of the vintage, and there are some genuinely exciting wines here.
DIEFENHARDT
2018 (Martinsthal) Langenberg Riesling GG
Floral, plum blossom nose. Ripe dark plum fruit and some yellow peach; round, easily approachable. 92/A
2018 (Martinsthal) Schlenzberg Riesling GG
Dark plum aromas and flavors, lacking a bit of definition. Round but not with great energy. 89/B
Joachim FLICK
2018 (Hochheim) Königen Victoriaberg Riesling GG
Spiced yellow peach nose. Round, calm, yellow peach, elegant. 92+/A
2018 (Wicker) Nonnberg “Vier Morgen” Riesling GG
Spicy, floral nose. Light, mineral, pure, dancing, white peach preserve fruit. One of the best GG’s of the vintage. 94/A
KÜNSTLER
2018 (Hochheim) Hölle Riesling GG
Power but finesse, lots of energy. Intense, deep lime blossom, vine nose. Strong acidity. A wine of power and depth with yellow plum and mineral flavors. Balanced, which is not easy to do with this much power. Needs time. Fermented in large wooden oak barrel; heavy soils retained water in this vintage, hence the high acidity. 13.0% stated alcohol. 93/A
2018 (Hochheim) Kirchenstück Riesling GG
Very pure, very fine white peach blossom aromas. Yellow peach, minerality, some power, but also elegance. Great complexity, long finish. As good as the Hölle is, this is better, and one of the top GG’s of the vintage. 94/A
2018 (Kostheim) Weiss Erd Riesing GG
Floral red plum blossom nose. Deep red plums, some peach. Complex, complete. 93/A
Domdechant WERNER
2018 (Hochheim) Kirchenstück Riesling GG
Beautiful, floral nose. Intense lime and white peach flavor; finesse, elegance of Kirchenstück. Fine acidity. Needs time to mature but will be a beauty. 93/A