Peter Lauer, Mosel (Germany) Riesling 2018

 The Peter Lauer estate in located in the Saar – Germany’s most prestigious address for many German wine aficionados.  Now sold under the broader appellation of Mosel, Saar wines remain among the most sought-after of all German whites.  The transformative German wine law of 1971 changed the centuries-old vineyard names throughout Germany.  While there is something to be said for reducing 30,000 names to less than 3,000, some detail is obviously lost in the change.  Ayler Kupp is one of the great vineyards of the Saar with its steep slopes overlooking the river.  Florian Lauer manages the Lauer estate and petitioned for the use of traditional names for segments of the Ayler Kupp vineyard.  Perhaps surprisingly, his request was approved, and the result is this bottling.  Stirn is at the top of the slope with rocky soils of weathered slate.  The Stirn Fass 15 Riesling is a beautiful expression of the Saar style.  The bouquet is expressive and enchanting with green apple, candied citrus peel, peach and tropical fruit scents interwoven with elements of flowers, subtle herbs and gingery spice.  On the palate, it shows pure flavors of green apple, candied lemon, grapefruit and guava backed by a ginger-like spice and the racy, electric finish that defines the best Saar wines. This is a delicious Riesling that will cellar well for another 20 years.