2014 Bürgergarten Riesling Trocken Erste lage Müller-Catoir

A rich, peachy dry riesling, but with a steely finish that's loaded with some tannin. Now at its best but should hold at least through 2025.

From 50 plus year old vines on yellow Buntsandstein soils with a sandy loam layer, the 2014 Haardter Bürgergarten Riesling Trocken intertwines its deep and precise fruit aromas with earthy flavors on the nose to migrate onto a very intense, elegant, impressively mineral and salty, well balanced palate; there is a very relaxed but persistent expression. Full-bodied and cool in its mineral character, this is a very elegant, intense, lovely, balanced and refined Riesling with a great expression. Highly recommended for a longer aging period.

There is a more immediately forthcoming sense of ripe peach, apricot, lemon and grapefruit here than in the corresponding Herrenletten and Gimmeldingen bottlings, accompanied by a mouthwatering lick of salt. Fresh ginger, sage and fruit pit add pungency and cut on a firm yet buoyant and expansive palate. For all of its bone-dryness, the finish here is exuberantly juicy not to mention impressively protracted and fascinatingly interactive.