A couple years ago I took a flyer on a bottle of the '15, and it has been my all-time favorite Kabinett since that time. I’ve explored the immediately adjacent vintages, both of which are very nice, and are great QPRs in their own right, but the '15 is simply in its own class. I’ve purchased two and a half cases of the '15, and, quite frankly, would purchase more if given the opportunity. This is how these two played-out in a side-by-side setting.
2014 Carl Loewen Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (6/4/2019)
– Coravined a couple glasses on Day 1; pulled cork and finished three to four days later –
– tasted non-blind –
NOSE: lime soda — like the kids drinks in small plastic bottles with a peel-off foil cap; expressive; smells a little aged — light honey.
BODY: pale yellow color is a touch darker than the '15; medium to medium-full bodied.
TASTE: medium-low to medium acidity; golden raisins; a bit less sweet than the '15, which gives it an easier-going, “fresh,” presentation; canvas tent/mineral aspect; 9% alc. hidden; noticeably more advanced than the '15; pear; flavors became more gentle with three hours of air. Finished-up nicely three to four days later. Seems to be in the front end of its prime drink window.
2015 Carl Loewen Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (6/4/2019)
– Coravined a couple glasses on Day 1; pulled cork and finished three to four days later –
– tasted non-blind –
NOSE: “cooler” aromatics than the '14; limey, but not as much as the '14; crispl; light gooseberry and anise bulb; no petrol; not one whiff of age on this.
BODY: pale yellow color; medium-full bodied.
TASTE: sweet for a Kabinett; medium+ acidity, and it’s the type that pushes forward after taking a sip versus being up front and center; this wine continues its run of excellence; acidity is starting to integrate compared to previous bottles; 9.5% alc. hidden; did not thin out with air like the '14 did. This is a Kab. for the ages — this will effortlessly make it to 2035. Truly an incredible wine.
