2012 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Kabinett- Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (5/9/2020)
Absolutely love where this is just now. Yeah, it’s all the boxes I want to tick in an 8yr old Kabinett. In the first hour, plenty of soil, some petrol, white and orange fruit, and a firm, medium-bodied palate. In the second hour, the palate takes on a creamy essence, with some orange and lime sherbet notes. Totally in the zone just now, with a bit of age set aside a youthful, fun, and deliciously fruity core. Sweetness is very much in the background; halbtrocken at most. Only 8,5% abv., now and the next several years, no problem. Held since release, served non-blind, natural cork. recommended+
It’s not my area of study, but from what I’ve tasted, which is consistent with the palates of others whom I trust, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. The acid/fruit balance in this bottle was pitch perfect, as was the sweetness level; at once invisible and also front and center.
I suspect your perception that it was halbtrocken is a reflection of the natural acidity you get in the Ruwer, which is cooler than the nearby Middle Mosel. The estate makes halbtrockens if you want a wine where the acidity is really in display!
Thank you! This is really helpful. I found some 2012 Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Auslese Auction available, but cannot find a single bit of information on that wine, so I at least wanted to get a better understanding of the vintage.
Aren’t all of his auslesen bottled with gold capsules? I have it in the back of my head there is some general misunderstanding re the estate’s use of gold. Paging Prof Bueker!
I’m not Bueker but every Donnhoff Auslese does have a gold capsule, and the estate does not make a separate GK Auslese (ever to my knowledge) even if they decide to release a separate auction Auslese.
It can get a bit confusing at times. I’m pretty sure all of Willi Schaefer’s bottles have goldcaps, but not to signify that they are a higher quality or more concentrated than other cuvees. Markus Molitor’s goldcaps just mean those bottles are fully sweet (as opposed to dry or off dry).