2023 Dr Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel

The 2023 Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett is fruit-intense and flinty on the nose that intertwines blue slate with ripe, intense and savory Mosel Riesling aromas. Round and almost rich on the palate, this is a mouth-filling, sweet, crystalline and saline-finishing Kabinett from the vineyard between the domaine and the village of Bernkastel. 9% stated alcohol. Screw-cap closure. Tasted in December 2024.

90 points Stephan Reinhardt robertparker.com

Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett from the Mosel is a beautifully balanced, off-dry Riesling that showcases the finesse and minerality of this world-renowned German wine region. Dr. Loosen, a family-owned estate with over 200 years of winemaking history, is known for crafting wines that express the unique character of the Mosel’s steep slate vineyards. Bernkasteler Lay, one of the estate’s prized sites, is a south-facing vineyard with deep blue Devonian slate soils, which impart a distinctive minerality and enhance the wine’s bright acidity and aromatic purity.

In the glass, this Kabinett Riesling is pale gold with a shimmering clarity. The nose is fresh and vibrant, offering aromas of green apple, white peach, and ripe citrus, layered with delicate floral notes and a signature slate-driven minerality. On the palate, it is light-bodied and elegantly structured, with flavors of crisp pear, lime zest, and a touch of honeyed sweetness balanced by racy acidity. A long, refreshing finish leaves lingering hints of stone fruit, wet slate, and a whisper of spice.

This Riesling is a versatile food wine, pairing beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, fresh seafood, or light salads with citrus dressing. Its natural acidity and slight sweetness also make it an excellent match for goat cheese, pork dishes, and roasted vegetables. Enjoyable in its youth for its bright fruit and energy, it also has the potential to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years.