TN: 2009 Dönnhoff Hermannshohle Riesling Großes Gewächs (Germany, Nahe)

WINE TALK
#1

2009 Dönnhoff Hermannshohle Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Nahe (12/18/2018)
Medium light hay in color, lovely light petrol and floral, honeyed fruit nose; deeply flavored, rich, with a complex savoriness, just enough balancing acidity, and a long, lasting finish, where some minerality pokes through, then the mouthwatering savory character takes over as the finish fades very slowly.

Might not have the cut and crispness of cooler vintages, but the intensity and depth almost make up for that. (93 pts.)

#2

I love this wine…thanks for the note. I wish I had loaded up more on the 2012’s when they were only $45/bottle. What are your thoughts on the aging curve of these? I’ve heard the GG’s have no track record from some…but find it hard to believe that wines of balance, especially Riesling wouldn’t age like the sweeter ones.

#3

Hi Kirk,
Well, Donnhoff has been making trocken Riesling for a long time. The first GG I ever had was a 2004 Hermannshohle, but I’ve had earlier “regular” trockens from him. This bottle certainly wasn’t showing any particular age, I’m sure it will go another decade at least, given my experience with Austrian Riesling (which I often drink at 15+ years or more).

I used to scavenge Donnhoff’s Felsenberg Trocken when I could find it (pre-GG). I still have a 2007 and 2008, at least, and am holding them just to see how they do.

#4

Thanks for bringing it! It was very enjoyable! The nose was stunning.

#5

My pleasure, Ashish. For the record, my note came from tasting the wine the next day, when it seemed to have opened and gained depth a tad more, and wasn’t competing with Moroccan food and a bunch of other wines [cheers.gif]

#6

The 2002 Hermannshohle Spatlese Trocken was spectacular last year at 15, with years to go, so I have no fear of aging the GG.