2023 Dönnhoff Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewächs

Grey slate subsoil covered with a layer of porphyry / Slope 50 – 70 % / South-facing / Yields approx. 40 hl/ha / Vine age approx. 15 – 30 years / VDP. Grosse Lage classification

A historic steeply sloping vineyard that Dönnhoff awoke from its slumber. Steep terraces in a hollow with slate and porphyry soils. The vines are about 20 years old and yield about 35hl/ha. 100% selective hand harvest. The must is fermented and the wine matured in classic wooden barrels and stainless-steel vats. Vigorously spicy and at the same time dancingly elegant with great depth and a fascinating charisma.

At least since the magical 2020 vintage, this grand cru is becoming another Dönnhoff (and Nahe) icon wine next to the estate’s Hermannshöhle GG. The 2023 Norheimer Dellchen Riesling trocken GG is bright and clear on the elegant and finely juicy as well as spontaneously inviting nose that indicates perfectly ripe and healthy Riesling fruit that is fully intermingled with the terroir-driven flinty notes. Perfectly round and finessed on the palate, this is a full-bodied, dense and finely juicy, then utterly saline and savory as well as buoyant Dellchen that pairs purity with intensity and a long, complex and promising finish. This is superbly balanced and full of joy. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in August and October 2024. 96 points. Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate Nov 2024