2019 Willi Schaefer Graacher Riesling Feinherb, Mosel

OFF-DRY
The 2019er Graacher Riesling Feinherb comes from the Himmelreich, and was fermented down to off-dry levels of residual sugar. It proves quite restrained at first and does not reveal much beyond some faint notes of smoke, herbs, and spices. After some airing, delicate notes of green apple, grapefruit, lime, and white peach kick in and add to the overall feel of freshness and tightness. The wine proves superbly balanced on the palate, where some creamy and lightly fruity elements are superbly wrapped into zest and spices. It leaves a dry-tasting rather than fully off-dry feel in the magnificently long, pure, and vibrating finish. This great example of a light-footed, just off-dry wine has depth and concentration. This great success now simply needs a couple of years to fully develop its aromatic complexity.

92 points Mosel Fine Wines moselfonewines.com Drink: 2023-34

Few estates capture the delicacy and quiet magic of the Mosel quite like Willi Schaefer. From the village of Graach, the Schaefer family has built an extraordinary reputation for Rieslings that combine featherweight elegance with remarkable intensity and longevity. Tiny production, meticulous vineyard work and an unwavering commitment to traditional winemaking have made these wines some of Germany's most sought after treasures.

The vineyards surrounding Graach are among the Mosel's finest, with steep slopes of Devonian slate overlooking the river and creating ideal conditions for Riesling. The Feinherb style sits beautifully between dry and off dry, offering just enough residual sweetness to enhance texture and fruit while vibrant acidity keeps the wine precise and refreshing. The superb 2019 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional purity, balance and aromatic detail.

Pale straw with shimmering green highlights, the bouquet is wonderfully expressive, revealing aromas of white peach, lime blossom and green apple layered with notes of jasmine, mandarin and crushed slate. The palate dances rather than strides, carrying flavours of citrus, orchard fruits and ripe pear on a wave of crystalline acidity and delicate sweetness. There is an effortless sense of balance throughout, with the slate soils contributing minerality and tension that carry the wine through a remarkably long and graceful finish.

This is a magnificent partner for spicy Thai seafood, pork dumplings, fresh prawns, sushi, smoked trout or a simple plate of soft cheeses and crusty bread. Equally captivating on its own, it captures the charm, elegance and sheer drinkability that have made Mosel Feinherb Riesling such a beloved style among wine lovers.