2020 Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spatlese, Mosel

Here are a few more key facts about the famous Berncasteler Doctor vineyard and the Thanisch family. The Doctor vineyard faces south-southwest at an angle of 65 degrees, directly above the town of Bernkastel, and is perfectly sited to intercept maximum sun. After a snowfall or frost, the Doctor is the first site to thaw – photographs dating back many decades show the slopes on either side of the Doctor still frozen while the Doctor has melted. When Dr Hugo Thanisch died prematurely in 1895, his widow Katharina took over managing the estate, and for the last 125 years, women have played key roles in the business. The present owner Sofia Thanisch has two daughters herself. Sofia took over the business from her aunt, Mechthild Thanisch in 1996. Katharina, the widow, named the business Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch (witwe means widow in German) and in 1901 introduced the famous label which remains unchanged on the Doctor bottles. It’s in the art nouveau style, which was fashionable at the time. The Thanisch family winegrowing tradition was established in 1636, and celebrated the 375th anniversary in 2011. Christina is a 12th generation family member. The Thanisch family benefitted from the French Revolution. The French Revolutionary Army occupied the Trier region in 1794, and the possessions of the church and nobility were declared part of the French state and auctioned off. Wealthy people took advantage. Two members of the Thanisch family boosted their vineyard holdings by buying vineyards with 11,000 vines and 17,000 vines respectively, formerly the property of an abbey and a monastery.

therealreview.com

The complex, golden-fruit and sweet-chamomile character hits you the moment you put your nose in the glass of this great Mosel Spätlese. As graceful as it is concentrated, with an extremely sensual palate that has a hint of floral-honey sweetness, but also breathtaking delicacy. Very long and pristine finish. Drink or hold.

96 points jamessuckling.com 5/10/21