WTN: Richter and Merkelbach Rieslings

[David M. Bueker]

• 2018 Alfred Merkelbach Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese #11 'Urglück' - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (8/7/2021)
  Served alongside a 2019 Max Ferd Richter Juffer Spätlese, the two wines were actually similar in weight, and more importantly in elegance. The Merkelbach tended softer, but that was the vintage speaking, and it also had more non-fruit flavors, as expected from a Würzgarten wine. Paired with an intentionally spiced up, homemade butter chicken this worked well as a foil, and also made for a pleasing after dinner drink. This should do very well with cellar time.
  
• 2019 Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (8/7/2021)
  Continuing a year long exploration of the 2019 Richter range, the Juffer Spätlese once again affirms the lead spot for this site in the lineup. There are all manner of tropical and citrus fruit aromas and flavors. The wine is full Spätlese-level sweet, but it sustains an elegance of expression that feels classic/old school. Served side-by-side with a 2018 Merkelbach wine there was a clear path from one to the other, and that was a very good thing.