Description
Dr. H. Thanisch, “Graacher Himmelreich” GG Riesling
Not only is 2018 one of the finest vintages this century in the Mosel, but it is also Thanisch’s first release under the new GG (Great Growth) of the elite Bernkasteler Ring association. Like Grosses Gewächs—but technically not the same!—it has high benchmarks for quality: It must be dry with at least Spätlese-levels of ripeness; it must pass a blind tasting conducted by a panel of winemakers; and it cannot be released until September 1st of the following year after harvest.
The roots of the old vines in the Himmelreich Kingdom of Heaven vineyard go deep down into slate to find moisture. The steep vineyard above the village of Graach is located on the world’s largest single stretch of Riesling, between Bernkastel – Graach – Wehlen – Zeltingen in the Mosel valley. Before climate change arrived in the Mosel, it was near-impossible to produce such a GG quality which requires fully ripened and healthy grapes that could be fermented fully dry.
This 2018 shows incredible layers despite its infancy: Kaffir lime, green mango, white peach, pineapple, Meyer lemon, and tangerine blast out of the glass like a cannon and releases savory shrapnel in the form of crushed white rock, smoke, candied ginger, salted citrus, gunflint, dried herbs, acacia, grapefruit zest, and honeysuckle. It’s bold and assertive, unafraid to flaunt its searing minerality and gorgeous layers of ripe yet nervy fruit. Prepare to stand back in awe as this storms your palate. It’s big, intense, rich, dry, and electrifying. We cannot wait to track this wine over the years and decades to come!
