2023 Dr Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel

Very succulent but every bit as elegant, with a fantastic creamy texture and a wet-stone freshness that makes this extremely enticing. The white flower and green apple aromas only add to that, and the delicacy at the end is fantastic. Very long and subtle finish. Drink or hold.

95 points jamessuckling.com

The Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese from the Mosel is one of Germany’s most iconic expressions of Riesling, combining richness, elegance and the unmistakable stamp of the Mosel’s blue slate soils. Dr. Loosen has been in the same family for over 200 years, but it was Ernst Loosen, who took over in 1988, that propelled the estate into the global spotlight. His philosophy of low yields, organic practices and meticulous vineyard care has made Dr. Loosen a benchmark name. The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard is perhaps the jewel in the estate’s crown – a steep, south-facing site with perfect exposure, giving Rieslings of breathtaking perfume, balance and longevity.

In the glass, the wine is pale gold with a glimmer of green. The nose is intoxicating, with aromas of white peach, ripe pear, lime blossom, apricot and honeysuckle, laced with hints of slate, smoke and wet stone. The palate is silky and poised, balancing ripe stone fruit and citrus with a thread of honeyed sweetness. The hallmark of Spätlese style is its balance between richness and razor-sharp acidity, and here it shines – the sweetness is never cloying, kept perfectly in check by Mosel’s crystalline freshness. The finish is long and mineral-driven, echoing stone fruit and floral notes.

Food pairings are wide and exciting. The natural sweetness makes it perfect with spicy cuisine – think Thai curries, Szechuan stir-fries or Vietnamese salads with chilli and lime. It also pairs beautifully with roast pork belly, duck with orange glaze, or creamy blue cheeses. Cellaring potential is outstanding: 20 years or more, as it gradually develops layers of honey, dried fruit, toffee and petrol notes while retaining freshness.

Critics consistently rate Dr. Loosen’s Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese among the world’s greatest Rieslings. It has earned countless accolades, with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, James Suckling and Wine Spectator regularly awarding scores in the 94–97 point range, praising its perfume, finesse and ageability. It is both a collector’s wine and a joyous drinking experience.