In the past, I’ve argued for holding back release of GG wines an additional year, and some producers, such as these, have begun doing so (not an easy changeover from a cash flow perspective). But it may be that with the 2019s, many have already gone into a closed down phase. These were not easy wines to evaluate.
Reichsrat von BUHL
A simply amazing array of vineyard holdings, including a grand slam of all of the five greatest vineyards in Forst.
2019 (Ruppertsberg) Reiterpfad-Hofstück Riesling GG
Still rather closed. Intense, deep, nervy and energetic with incipient nectarine and peach. 93(+)/A
2019 (Deidesheim) Kieselberg Riesling GG
Intense and dense, but muddied fruit here. ?
2019 (Forst) Freundstück Riesling GG
Plenty of material here, but not easy to evaluate — intensity but not precision. ?
2019 (Forst) Jesuitengarten Riesling GG
Peach skin nose. Round, smooth in mouth with firmness. Reductive but promising for those willing to hold. 93+/A
2019 (Forst) Kirchenstück Riesling GG
Nectarine skin nose. Round, rich, pure, penetrating, light in weight but velvet texture, subtle. 95/A+
2019 (Forst) Pechstein Riesling GG
Tightly-wound, wiry, but not showing the sensuality of Pechstein. Is that to come? 91(+?)/A-
2019 (Forst) Ungeheuer Riesling GG
Sensual, round, but still with an austere side to it. Good penetration. Needs time. 92?(+?)/A
Karl SCHAEFER
2019 (Forst) Pechstein Riesling GG
Not showing a lot right now — there is material here but not much sensuality or flesh nor is there energy and penetration. ?