WTN: Schloss Saarstein, Knyphausen

[David M. Bueker]

German Wine Society tasting in New Jersey the other night. Nancy Peach of Valckenberg led us through wines from Schloss Saarstein and Knyphausen. We did six wines (including a Charta wine from Johannishof), but three really stood out:

2005 Seeriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Kabinett (Saar)
Clear as a bell tolling on a cold day, and racy as Formula 1 car with Schumacher behind the wheel. Apple, lime and that unmistakable green, leafy aroma that is the hallmark of the Saar. Just off dry, and totally refreshing.

2005 Baron Knyphausen Kiedricher Sandgrub Riesling Spatlese (Rheingau)
Fresh peach and sun drenched earth with a touch of finishing spice. Much softer than wines from Saarstein, but then that is no surprise. Subtly sweet with good mineral backbone, but could perhaps use either a touch more acidity or a few years to back off some of the little sweetness just to expose a few more bones.

2005 Seeriger Schloss Saarstein Riesling Spatlese (Saar)Take the kabinett and ramp up the intensity and the sweetness, but it's not just a case of higher 'volume.' There's also significantly more depth, and the overall persistence and length of the wine is outstanding.

All of these wine represent very good value as well.

Thanks for the notes. David!
Two questions: I had the impression that Knyphausen was no more in the business and that their vineyards had been bought by others. Is my memory simply wrong or have they been recreated?

I was curious to see that you mentioned a Charta wine from Johannishof, since they are one of my favourite Rheingau producers. What did you think of it?

Cheers,
Anders

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks for the notes. David!
Two questions: I had the impression that Knyphausen was no more in the business and that their vineyards had been bought by others. Is my memory simply wrong or have they been recreated?

I was curious to see that you mentioned a Charta wine from Johannishof, since they are one of my favourite Rheingau producers. What did you think of it?

Cheers,
Anders

The future of Knphausen is somewhat in doubt, but they do still exist for now.

I liked the Charta wine quite a lot. It had a chalkiness that was very enjoyable, though, like many dry German wines, it had a phenolic roughness that kept it from being better.

Saar wines racy and Rheingau wine peachy...sounds like the universe is in order for now (at least with German wines). Got to get my hands on some 2005's both for tasting now and cellaring.

[David M. Bueker]

Both of these wines are very reasonably priced. I would especially recommend cellaring teh Saarstein. The Knyphausen is great for drinking now.