Few wine enthusiasts probably realize that with every sip of Riesling from Schloss Johannisberg, they are enjoying the legacy of nearly 1,200 years of history that involves a monastery and a palace – both of which have a great wine history. The first documented wine harvest was in A.D. 817, making Schloss Johannisberg the first Riesling wine estate in the Mosel and in the world.
98 Points James Suckling
This conclusively proves that riesling Spatlese is a category capable of enormous greatness. Titanic concentration and precision on the incredibly ripe and focused palate. Yes, in some sense this is medium-bodied and is off-dry, but it blasts away all those categories to be entirely itself and do its own thing. As much succulence as wet stone freshness, plus an energy that says you should stand back if you’re not sure that you’re strong enough for the long, stunning finish. Decades of aging potential. From organically grown grapes.
94 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Round and juicy on the palate, this is a remarkably fine and elegant Spätlese with ripe, crystalline acidity and a stimulating savory, saline and finely grippy or crunchy finish. Medium-weight and sportive, with a straight rather than playful character at this stage, this is a precise and age-worthy Spätlese in a pretty unique style. It's also very promising for the long distance.
Winemaker Notes
Intense aroma of mirabelle plum, apricot, sweet lime, pear, yellow melon and oranges, as well as ethereal notes such as lemon mint and floral notes of elderflower. Hints of cool exoticism. Candied lemon, quince jelly and ethereal with fresh mint on the palate. Present, well-measured fruit sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the precise acidity. Dense, juicy late harvest with an almost velvety mouthfeel.
