Erni Loosen has received numerous accolades through the years. He was recognized as German Winemaker of the Year by Gault-Millau in 2001, Decanter’s “Man of the Year” in 2005, Best German Producer of the past 25 years and named among the 50 Most Influential Winemakers. His wines are rated the best buys and top selections in all categories and his vineyards judged among the 10 best in Germany.

This is a quintessential Riesling bottling from Ernst Loosen and my favorite vineyard location. The vineyards are perched along steep slopes with red slate soils. This is a wine of pedigree with a crystalline pure color and heavenly scented floral aromas. The wine unveils juicy, mouth-filling fruits with macerated tangerines, freshly baked peach cobbler, honeyed Meyer lemons and crushed pineapple laced with a layer of complex spices. It is finely detailed with just enough acidity and a hint of minerality to make this journey a pure fantasy. The wine has extraordinary purity and leads to an endless finish. It is destined to live for a few decades or longer. Congrats to Ernst for his stellar craftsmanship.

By W Peter Hoyne