Riesling Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Grosses Gewächs (GG) 2020 (750ml)
Price: $124.99
| Producer | Karthäuserhof |
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer |
| Varietal | Riesling |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 204840 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Karthäuserhof Description
The historic Karthäuserhof estate is just before the confluence of the Ruwer and Mosel rivers, nestled along a side valley adjacent to the small village of Eitelsbach. While winemaking here dates back to Roman times, most consider the “official” founding of the estate as we know it to be 1335—when Balduin, the Archbishop and Elector of Trier, gave the vineyards to The Carthusians monks, calling it the “Farm of the Carthusians,” or Karthäuserhof in German.
In the early 19th century, Napoleon secularized the region, and the property saw an auctioning off in Paris. Valentin Leonardy bought the property on this auction in 1811, and miraculously, despite turbulent times over 200 years, it has remained in the same family—from Leonardy to Rautenstrauch to Tyrell, who inherited the estate in the mid-20th century. The eldest Tyrell son, Christoph, oversaw all operations of the vineyard and cellar until 2012. In that same year, the estate was turned over to Christoph Tyrell’s cousin, Albert Behler.
The wines that come from this place (although 15 years ago grouped under appellation Mosel) are unmistakably different and unique to the Ruwer valley. Ruwer is much smaller, almost like an expansive stream, and runs only 30 miles (49 kilometers) with just on the last 10 miles vineyards on hills alongside the river. The region is nothing like what you see on the hills of the Mosel riverbanks. There are forests and bushes, and the feeling is more rustic, and thus, the wines are slightly more rigorous and somewhat austere. From the 2020 vintage, producers are allowed to label their wines as Ruwer.
The grapes come mainly from our oldest plot in the Karthäuserhofberg called “Kronenberg” with about 80 year old vines.
Tasting Note: The wine shows a ripe and aromatic nose of pineapple, almond, pear, mirabelle, some buttery elements and honeyed yellow fruits. It proves delicately fruity and creamy on the juicy yet fresh and citrus-driven palate with a finish which is nicely aromatic and full of presence.
Vinous: 91 Points
The 2020 Riesling Karthäuserhofberg Grosses Gewächs was harvested in the poor soils of the Kronenberg parcel of this ancient mountain, at the top, turning south-southwest and benefiting from the evening sun. The nose has earth tones, ripe yellow pear and baked pear. A slight lift in the background adds dried lemon peel. The palate still has yeasty funk and smoothness that channels pure lemon freshness alongside gentle, yeasty creaminess. The finish is slightly diffused but fresh and dry. Very textured.
(Bone-dry)
