Egon Muller : Riesling Scharzhof 2023

Egon Müller's excellent 2023 Scharzhof Riesling blends the fruit from three different sites, where the Saarburg Rausch plays the dominant part followed by the Witlinger Braunfels and the Rosenberg, both neighboring the famous Scharzhofberg. The bright colored wine opens with a ripe yet elegant and delicate Saar Riesling aroma with its fine and spicy slate notes. Round, juicy and actually ample on the palate, this is a savory and persistently saline Saar Riesling that becomes lean and focused on the finish. It is exuberant, long and complex as well as balanced and frisky. Tasted at the domaine in April and August 2024.

Rippling with peach, melon, ripe citrus and white flower aromas, this is that rare beast: a stunning, off-dry, entry-level wine. The scintillating acidity makes it nip nimbly across the barely medium-bodied palate. Wonderfully long, elegant finish with a tingling spritz of natural carbon dioxide that helps it end much drier than it began. Drink or hold.

The 2023 Riesling Scharzhof, harvested from various parcels across Saarburger Rausch, Wiltinger Volz and Braune Kupp, alongside marginal parcels of Scharzhofberg and Oberemmeler Rosenberg, was fermented spontaneously, mostly in stainless steel with about 20% in Fuder. Juicy, ripe pear on the nose is suffused with lemon and yeast. The immense juiciness is evident on the palate, with light apple-like mouthwatering sweetness and a constant verve of lemon zest. This wine is already open and brings joyous energy with a zesty finish.