The Grosses Gewächs designation is reserved for the finest vineyards in Germany, and the 2021 Gunderloch bottling from the Pettenthal vineyard in Nierstein shows the depth and power one seeks from these top sites. This is a fabulous dry Riesling! It is bold, racy, complex, layered and delicious. Gunderloch ages their Grosses Gewächs wines in large oak barrels, and the subtle wood influence adds complexity to the wine. The bouquet reveals pure grapefruit, lime zest, green apple and passion fruit tones enhanced by floral elements and hints of wild herbs. Although still youthful, the flavors are pure and concentrated with the citrus fruits interwoven with herb, spice and floral nuances. The purity, intensity and rich texture of the Gunderloch style is on display in this wine. This layered, complex and dry Riesling will grow and improve for another decade and beyond.
Gunderloch, Rheinhessen (Germany) Riesling 2021
By Wayne Belding