Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese 2021
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James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
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The oldest recorded vineyards of the Nahe are located in this part of the village of Norheim. Kirsche means “cherry”, so the age-old name of the site likely refers to the wild cherries that grow even today amidst the vines. The site faces due south and its soils are composed largely of grey slate mixed with sandstone.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A prototypical riesling Spatlese with all the juiciness and the wide spectrum of fruit aromas – stone fruit, citrus fruit and berries – that belong to this style, together with the typical touch of natural grape sweetness. Such a zesty finish that it would be extremely hard to run away, rather than to turn back to the glass! From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From very old vines, the 2021 Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese is clear, precise and elegant yet also complex on the nose that offers bright cherry and fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a light, refined and elegant, very delicate and light-footed Spätlese with remarkable finesse and fine phenolic grip. It's stimulatingly saline and grippy on the finish. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Rating: 93+
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2022-
Wine
Enthusiast
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
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Robert
Parker
The grandchild of the estate‘s founder, Helmut Dönnhoff, paved the way for international success by establishing an enduring quality and style in his wines. His vintages would in fact become a byword for renowned German Rieslings the world over. Following his training at his parents‘ estate and university studies in winegrowing, he assumed responsibility for both vineyard and cellar starting in 1971. “Extraordinary wines are based on extraordinary vineyards. I‘m fortunate to have had the opportunity to acquire several world-class sites and in some cases to resume cultivation. It remains very much a privilege for me to produce wine from vineyards of such exceptional quality. It‘s more than I ever could have dreamed when I first started working.” This deep understanding of grand wines and grand vineyards was passed on from father to son to grandson.
The fourth generation now holds the reins: Cornelius Dönnhoff. He began his training in 1999 and, after a series of positions abroad, in 2007 returned to assume responsibility for the estate – initially for the vineyard and cellar, and now for all aspects of the operation. History continues, but the estate remains what it has always been: a family affair in every sense.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
