Katharina WECHSLER (Rheinhessen) -- A Brilliant New Discovery

 


This producer is a new discovery for me in the Wonnegau region of Rheinhessen (home to other favorites of mine such as Wittmann, Groebe, Keller, Battenfeld-Spanier, Dreissigacker, and Winter). Speaking of Keller, Katharina Wechsler did an apprenticeship with Klaus-Peter Keller.


The estate consists of a total of about 17ha, one-third of which currently in Riesling (expect that to increase). As of 2021, the estate is certified organic and follows biodynamic practices.


2020 Westhofen Riesling trocken

This is a thrilling wine with precision, clarity, electricity, and penetration to its limestone citric fruit. Just super for a village wine. Screw cap closure. 12.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 09 21. 92/A


2019 (Westhofener) Benn Riesling

This dry wine is from a monopole that Wechsler owns. It is the first time I taste a wine from there, and as the other wines I have tasted from Wechsler are from a different vintage, it is difficult to get a bead on what is Benn character and what is 2019 character. The wine is broad and has stone flavors and aromas but it lacks the electricity and energy of the 2020 Westhofen Riesling above and overall is slight flat in comparison. Cork closure. 12.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 1120. 88/B


2020 (Westhofener) Kirchspiel Riesling

Chiseled, austere, and steely, this is classic Riesling on limestone soils. The wine shows plenty of depth and tension and can be drunk now but should continue to age and improve over a decade or two. Cork closure. 12.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 1321. 94/A


2020 (Westhofener) Morstein Riesling

A brilliant expression of Morstein, not as flowery but more mineral than those of some other top producers. Medium-weight, fully dry, just a joy to drink right now, but also age well. Cork closure. 13% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 1421. 95/A+


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