Last saturday, we stopped-by at Keller estate’s yearly vintage presentation in Flörsheim-Dalsheim.

The German 2010 vintage has received some early bashing by the press, at a time when the first wines haven’t even been released. Right now, voices are more mixed and many feel reminded of the 2008 vintage which was also a bit more on acidity than fruit and still managed to find many fans. Probably 2010 is even more a so called winemaker’s vintage where high quality also depends on the instinct, talent and luck of the vintner. What one can affirm for sure is lacking in 2010 is quantity! Volumes were down approx 30% compared to 2009. Read the rest of this entry »

Already 2011 and I’m still talking about Christmas Wines. But of course there are valid reasons for this delay: 1) Those are busy days spent in the kitchen and with friends 2) the number of bottles indulged in that time are “above average” . So here are a few more wines from the Christmas holidays.

2009 Hubacker GG, Weingut Keller - This Riesling from a great terroir and vintage is still a baby. Of course I knew that before I uncorked it, but sometimes curiosity wins. Acidity is still to the fore right now but a long decant somewhat helps. Still, the wine feels tight at first, like a thin steel bullet with lots of minerality. But fruit comes up more with each sip: Peach and later some wild herbs are a nice composition. Incredible how slim and at the same time compact and flavour-loaded this wine appears. Lots of substance, nice presence on the palate and oh what a great length. Empties itself on its own but will be an even greater wine in 2-3 years time! ++
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