2011 Dr. Buerklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Riesling Trocken -Pfalz, Germany 13,0% alc.
I love Wachenheimer Riesling. It doesn't always gel with what is considered proper of Pfalz Riesling in that it tends to be a little understated, more mineral, and showing more finesse than exotica. Maybe that's the appeal -it often shares more with the Mosel or Nahe (though of course always dry) than it does with the rest of the Mittelhaardt. Even more striking because Wachenheim is sandwiched between two villages with very strong personalities: Forst and Bad Duerkheim. Wachenheim is a sort of Volnay to the Pommard of Forst in that respect. What's more is that it suits the style perfectly of Buerklin-Wolf, which is elegant above all else.
This is just a simple village wine (B-W releases PC and GC very late and has the capital to be afforded that luxury), but this is just spectacular in its simplicity: Mildly floral, but mandarin and orange fruit gracefully emerge with air along with a delicate minerality and quite forceful acidity -good to see in 2011. This wine is exceptional for this level of quality. Like a AA Pitcher throwing a no-hitter.
2011 Dr. Bassermann-Jordan Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Trocken -Pfalz, Germany 12,0% alc.
This is a perennial buy for me. It is always an over-performer for the price, always bone-dry, extremely mineral, and wickedly acidic. 2011 follows the game plan -the biggest difference is the snappy new redesign of the BJ art nouveau label.
Grapefruit, lime, straw, chestnut blossom, and a pronounced savoury-earthiness this year. Dry as ash and punishingly acidic as always. Who was it that said 2011 is a low-acid year?
Cheers,
Bill