JOACHIM FLICK | Lorchhausen | Riesling Trocken | 2021
riesling

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In 1867, Dr. Friedrich Wilhelm Dünkelberg published a quality map for Rheingau vineyards – it has been recorded as the oldest vineyard classification in the world. Only the most famous vineyards in the Rheingau are mentioned by name there and Joachim Flick’s Nonnberg and Victoriaberg vineyards are among them.

Today we are going to review a genuine, single-varietal riesling wine that comes from one of the most famous regions in the world, the legendary Rheingau – Lorchhausen Riesling Trocken 2021 by Joachim Flick. Riesling must be the world’s most misunderstood grape variety, as the resulting wines are unlike any others – light in alcohol, high in natural acidity, with the ability to transmit the terrior through its extract and unique aromas and, what makes it stand out from the crowd, riesling wines are capable of ageing for decades. Relative to other internationally grape varieties, riesling ripens quite early, so when planted in a hot climate its juice can be overripe and flabby, while in a cool climate it has the chance to stay on the vine late into the autumn, hence the german obsession with late harvest riesling wines. Germany have championed single-varietal wines since the first mass plantings of riesling at Schloss Johannisberg in 1720 in Rheingau. Since then, Germany has become the world’s top riesling producer, developing a wide range of styles from dry and crisp to lusciously sweet. Dry styles of riesling are becoming increasingly popular, one can identify them by the term “Trocken” on the label (which translates as “dry”). The wine we are tasting today is a single vineyard riesling, made of grapes that were sourced from the Lorchhausen vineyard, famous for its gray slate and quartz-rich soils (known locally as “Grauschiefer“), which results in wines with an almost incomparable mineral character. That said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: clear pastel-yellow color
clarity: pale straw-yellow hues

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & citrusy-herbal
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine displays an intriguing ripe fruit character, with a nuanced petroleum accent, that is supported by subtle herbal elements and pronounced citrusy notes. The forefront is dominated by the green fruits, mixed with some yellow fruits and citrus (golden apple, pomelo, quince and gooseberry), complemented by a nuanced herbal bouquet and a distinctive petroleum accent, with hints of straw grass, hay and a touch of penicillin/medicine that adds a layer of sophistication. As the wine’s bouquet unfolds, subtle mineral nuances emerge, with schist and slate playing the primary role in enhancing the wine’s minerality. This wine delivers a very refreshing aromatic profile, where the interplay of ripe fruits, herbal tone, and a touch of minerality creates a complex and harmonious tasting experience.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & zesty

On the palate, the wine reveals a captivating array of flavors that engage the senses with elegance and finesse. Its bright acidity takes center stage, orchestrating a lively mouthfeel that enlivens the senses, while the zesty fruit character brings a spectrum of ripe green fruits,  citrus notes, and those delicate, petroleum hints that any german riesling must deliver. Some nuanced herbal undertones add a layer of sophistication, thus bringing even more complexity on the palate. A substantial touch of alcoholic warmth contributes to a nuanced depth on the palate, adding structure and enhancing the wine’s richness without overpowering its vibrancy. The crisp and zesty aftertaste leaves a lasting impression, creating a thoroughly refreshing and memorable tasting experience. This wine is all about harmony and precision, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a genuine german riesling.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs more time | age for another 2 or 3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a quite zesty, vibrant and crisp wine, embodying the characteristics of a genuine german dry riesling. The wine’s nuanced and extracted nature suggests that this is a wine, that is still in its development phase, as some of its elements has yet to round up and reach for even greater complexity with time. With a pronounced, citrusy-fruity profile and those nuanced petroleum notes, the wine feels vibrant and zingy, with evident varietal typicity. Despite its current exuberance, there is a promise of good aging potential, suggesting that patience will be rewarded, as the wine continues to develop and unveil its hidden potential. Today, the wine leaves the impression that the best is yet to come, making it a worthy asset for those who are patient enough.

//Scoring
JOACHIM FLICK | Lorchhausen | Riesling Trocken | 2021
variety: riesling
country: Germany
region: Rheingau
rating: 94.2

//Prediction
predicted rating: 91+
actual rating: 91+

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This is definitely a great wine of Germany and with a total of 94.2 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Given the wine’s crisp and zesty nature, we would recommend pairing it with a shrimp ceviche with fresh lime, orange and grapefruit. The wine’s lively acidity and fruity-citrusy profile will complement the bright citrus notes in the ceviche, creating a refreshing and harmonious flavor combination, while the delicate seafood flavors of the dish will be enhanced by the wine’s zesty character. In the same key, the wine’s vibrancy will complement the succulent shrimp, thus highlighting the wine’s finesse and accentuate the citrusy elements in the dish, thus elevating the dining experience with a modern and light twist. Prost!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.