WTN: Van Volxem

2012 Van Volxem Alte Reben Riesling
I wasn't expecting complexity but the piercingly precise and juicy Saar glory of this bottle kept me going and going and going. Great seductive fun.

2011 Van Volxem Scharzhofberger P
This was stacked and stocked full of deep fruit. At times it showed minerals, at times it showed golden richness, and at times it showed slightly clunky. I'm guessing an awkward stage? A shame, because the store had just sold out of the '12.

[David M. Bueker]

I can count on one hand (with fingers left over) the number of un-clunky 2011s right now. The vintage was fat on release and has already shut down hard.

I can count on one hand (with fingers left over) the number of un-clunky 2011s right now. The vintage was fat on release and has already shut down hard.

That's what I figured. Thanks. I don't know these wines and so didn't allow my vintage generalizations to overrule the clerk when she said that the '11 (which she did have to sell) would show better than the '12 (which she no longer had to sell) because it had an additional year of age. Although a charitable interpretation is that she hasn't tasted it in a while.

Anyway, at least I still have sense memories of the glorious 2012 Alte Reben.

Out of curiosity, what are the un-clunky wines that you find are still showing well?

[David M. Bueker]

Of what I have had recently: Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Kabinett, Donnhoff Estate Riesling, Schaefer-Frohlich Kabinett come to mind. Notably a JJ Prum Bernkasteler Kabinett was incredibly clunky and closed in. Very un-Prum.

Rahsaan (and David).
are you generally Van Volxem fans? I've had very limited experience, but always felt while wines were nice they pushed the fatness edge.

[David M. Bueker]

I would rather drink Austrian.

I also have limited experience, I've liked some wines over the years but never had enough to form an opinion. And I never really seek them out in the States because of the price.

But someone gave me a bottle of the 2012 Alte Reben the other day, and it was so much fun that I was motivated to buy more.

Of what I have had recently: Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Kabinett, Donnhoff Estate Riesling, Schaefer-Frohlich Kabinett come to mind. Notably a JJ Prum Bernkasteler Kabinett was incredibly clunky and closed in. Very un-Prum.

To add to the list, 2011 Eins Zwei Drei was pretty tasty tonight and certainly worth drinking. Although I don't think I've ever loved an Eins Zwei Drei, just not my favorite type of riesling. Neither rich enough nor sleek enough. But fine drinking nonetheless.

[David M. Bueker]

I don't think it's meant to be loved, just quaffed.

Good quaffing wine indeed. I could not say the same for this good purchase today. Much more serious I`d say!

1) Willi Schaefer 2012 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kab.
2) 2011 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kab.