Hammelmann - KLOSTERGARTEN Riesling Trocken 2021 750ml (12% ABV)

Lukas is a young rockstar winemaker crafting clean, dry, and impressive Riesling from the under-the-radar outskirts of eastern Pfalz (which had always been too cool for premium winemaking, climate change has altered that).

These higher end single-vineyard bottlings are more classic in influence, when compared to the entry level wines (that present more "natural"). However, this is a young estate and so Lukas has had to buy a few newer barrels, so certain wines can show a touch of wood. As these barrels age the wood will obviously become more integrated.

This is the only single vineyard bottling Lukas releases from the village of Zimkaes: The Klostergarten comes from the clay section of the Klostergarten site (very small parcel, less than one hectare, vines are 15-20 years old); it is powerful, medium bodied, extremely salty, and deeply savory with complex herbal notes and wild earthy tones.

The fact that Lukas does not mind if his Rieslings go thru malo means fans of Philip Lardot will likely love the textural depth on display here.

powerful, tightly wound, steely, cool, mineral and acid driven, petrol, lime zest, decant and let warm up a bit if drinking this in its youth, otherwise cellar for 5+ years

region: Zeiskam, Pfalz, Germany

varietal: Riesling

style: dry white

farming/cellar: organic, direct press, fermented in used barrel, extended time on the lees, does not block malo, aged 2 years in Mosel oak fuder, unfined, unfiltered, minimal so2

pairing: baked salmon, grilled sausage, paella