Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2001

Scharzhofberg is one of the most famous sites in Germany and was probably planted by the Romans. Situated in Wiltingen, it is removed from the Saar in a side valley and faces due south. It is both very steep (30-60% grade) and high in elevation, starting at 180 m/590 ft. and reaching 280 m/918 ft. The soil, formed from gray Devonian slate decomposition, is very deep with no bedrock. Scharzhofberg is very well drained but still holds sufficient moisture (a characteristic shared by many of the very best European vineyards). The vineyard comprises 27 ha (67 acres), of which Egon Muller owns 7 ha (17.5 acres). This includes 3 ha (7.5 acres) of ungrafted Riesling vines planted in the last century. The Kabinett wine is very racy and austere, with superb mineral-toned complexity and a steely edge of acidity. This is Riesling at its most ethereal, and arguably one of the great white wines of the world. Even at Kabinett level, a Scharzhofberger can develop in the bottle for 20 to 30 years in a good vintage. The ones produced from noble rot are immortal.