Donnhoff Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube Spatlese 2001
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Clay, smoke, and earth can be discerned in the aromatics of Donnhoff's 2001 Riesling Spatlese Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube. This satin-textured, medium-bodied wine is stupendously pure and delineated as well as unbelievably concentrated, deep, and powerful. Typical of a wine from the Nahe, its flavors are dominated by minerals, earth, and smoky flint rather than primary fruit. Armed with a magnificently flavorful and lengthy finish, it is an exceptional Spatlese to drink between 2006 and 2020.
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Wine Enthusiast
Helmut Dönnhof is at the top of his game. From its explosive nose of powdered quartz and fresh apple skin through the flavors of apple, peach, melon and mineral, this wine has it all. It's medium-weight—even a bit full-bodied for Riesling—but impeccably balanced. Great length completes the package. Simply put, a tour de force.
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.
