Willi Schaefer
Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2013
Germany
About the SessionThis is the largest list of German wines Strauss & Co has ever offered! Once regarded as the greatest wines in the world, German and specifically Mosel Riesling are long aging and investment worthy. Running deep through the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer and across celebrated vintages including the ripe 2009, the warm 2018 and the racy, acclaimed 2019.
‘Trocken’ is the dry Riesling style, while ‘Kabinett’ is off-dry and ‘Spatlese’ and ‘Auslese’ are much sweeter. Another pointer, Is that the higher the alcohol, the more likely the wine is to be drier in style.
LOT 31
Willi Schaefer
Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2013
About this Item
Willi Schaefer farms barely four hectares in the village of Graach, yet his featherweight, crystalline Rieslings are among the most coveted on the Mosel, made in tiny quantities and all but sold before they are bottled. The Graacher Himmelreich – 'the kingdom of heaven' – gives a more delicate, floral style. 2013 was a small, high-acid Mosel vintage. Stephan Reinhardt from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a rating of 91, Julia Harding MW gave it 16 out of 20, and Joel B. Payne reviewed it for Vinous.
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
"Very clear and slightly flinty as well as floral on the nose, the 2013 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is a light and medium-bodied, very juicy, intense and lovely sweet Riesling provided with a piquant acidity and a lingering salinity. Very pure, straight and fresh, the wine finishes with ripe apple and lemon aromas (confit de citron) in the aftertaste." - Stephan Reinhardt, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Feb 2015)
"Light blossom aroma. Fine and delicate. Crisp and lively, clear-cut and mouthwatering finish. All in balance." - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Jun 2014)
"Fresh bouquet of pear and apple blossom. Delicately sweet on the palate, offering an attractive interplay of apricot and luscious citricity. Lipsmacking finish." - Joel B. Payne, Vinous (Sep 2014)
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