2015 Gunderloch „Nackenheim Rothenberg“ Riesling GG
Gunderloch Rothenberg Riesling is a classic. And a classic is a classic for a reason.
I am remembering around 20-25 years ago there was no Wine Spectator Top 100 list of the Year without a Gunderloch Riesling. Fair to say a sweet one, if my memory is correct.
This GG by Johannes Hasselbach is superb……full of grace, clarity, elegance and the famous red slope „Roter Hang“ minerality.
„The VDP.GROSSE LAGE® ROTHENBERG is the most northerly of the top sites on the so-called Roter Hang (Red Slope). The Roter Hang descends eastward toward the Rhine stretching from Nackenheim in the north to Nierstein in the south. Its name comes from the clayey slate soil (Rotliegend) with a bright red colour derived from its iron oxide content. The ROTENBERG GL has a south to east exposition. The morning and midday sun reaches the site through an opening towards the Upper Rhine Plain and influences the microclimate of the ROTHENBERG GL bringing warmth that can remain throughout the day. The nearby Rhine River acts as a reflector, offering additional light to the steep slope. With a slope of up to 75 percent, the ROTHENBERG GL is one of the steepest parts of the Roter Hang. The VDP.GROSSE LAGE® is located in the south part of the single-vineyard Rothenberg and encompasses the upper, steeper parcels with Rotliegend soil (red clayey slate and sandstone). It borders the Pettenthal vineyard to the south. History: This site was first mentioned as “in dem Rode” in 1364. This could certainly point to the colour of the soil (rot), but it could also be that the slope had just been cleared (gerodet).“
More info incl. photos regarding the vineyard „Rothenberg“
https://www.vdp.de/en/the-wines/vineyardonline/lage/8061-rothenberg
I am still in holiday-mode, so let me quote a TN via cellartracker by „RieslingKenner“ which is spot on.
July 13, 2024 - *I decided to open a second bottle of this wine after my first bottle a few months ago seemed a bit prematurely aged and developed. This bottle was decidedly more fresh and much more what I expect this wine should be like. *
Beautifully refined with lovely subtlety and wonderful elegance. This showed filigreed layers of smoke, tangy apples, warm spices, and earl gray tea.
The finish was mineral and savory with a fascinating juxtaposition of roasted nuts and candied citrus.
This was a beautiful bottle and full of class. Very much looking forward to trying more wines from this acclaimed producer.
93/100
