“[…] Collectively, the wines showed intense minerality, but also fuller body. Philipp matures his wines on the lees for about 10 months in neutral oak barrels, which adds roundness and complexity. And that is how you capture the magic of Morstein.”
„Philipp Wittmann füllt stets eine hochklassige Gutskollektion ab, von der Basis bis zum Großen Gewächs. Sein Premium-Riesling „La-Borne“, aus einem kleinen Flurstück in der Lage Morstein, ist begehrt und wird exklusiv versteigert.“
2018 MORSTEIN Riesling: „Was für eine offene einladende Nase! Mineralisch und frisch. Strahlend. Sehr fruchtig und saftig, mit beeindruckendem Potenzial.“
“[…] a special vertical tasting featuring a grand cru apiece from top estates Ökonomierat Rebholz, Wittmann und A. Christmann. […] The Morstein showed a very different personality, its limestone coolness always evident, its evolution framed with increasing precision year by year.”
„ […] Die Wittmann’schen Rebstöcke gedeihen in einigen der feinsten Lagen Rheinhessens und liefern die Trauben für Weine von erstklassiger Finesse, Komplexität und Haltbarkeit – ausgewogene Tropfen, die ihr Terroir fabelhaft schön zum Ausdruck bringen.“
“A warm and rich fragrance adds an unusual but seductive notion of Ambrosia rice pudding to the more conventional aromas of ripe yellow fruit. The palate is packed with sweet and juicy fruit flavors, a hint of exotic spice and well-rounded acidity add subtle accents. Despite its generous character, the Morstein shows great purity of taste and does not lose itself in opulence.” Drink 2020-2030.
“Although there is ample fruit on the nose, the Brunnenhäuschen does not indulge in the more tropical touches of its stablemates. This noble restraint serves it well on the palate, where cooler notions of stony mineral and fresh herbs get a good look in and put more emphasis on elegance rather than opulence of expression. Acidity is well pitched to add some vibrancy to the finish.” Drink 2020-2030
“An enticing fragrance brings together floral and herbal aromas of a summer meadow with ripe orchard fruit, creating an aura of summer meadow. The flavor is equally diverse, opening with sweet juicy yellow plums on a viscous palate. There is also sufficient acidity to stimulate the taste buds.“ Drink 2020-2028
“A generous fruity fragrance exhibits aromas of ripe apple, peach and pear. The palate adds zesty touches of lime and orange to the sweet and juicy local fruit. Healthyacidity, a salty mineral tang and a subtle phenolic piquancy and contours to the finish.“ Drink 2020-2028
„Vorallem die Weine aus der Lage Morstein glänzen im Jahrgang 2018. Dies gilt sowohl für den Westhofener Ortswein aus Ersten Lagen für den diesmal ausschließlich Trauben aus dem Morstein verarbeitet wurden. […] Bei der Geschmacksprägung seiner Weine setzt Wittmann lieber auf den Kalkstein in den Weinbergen und die zum Teil uralten Reben.“
Die Ortsweine dann besitzen noch etwas mehr Fülle und Saft. […] Der Riesling La Borne besticht mit seiner Reintönigkeit, ist füllig und saftig, komplex und lang – und dann gibt es noch vier Große Gewächse, eines besser als das andere. Unangefochtene Nummer Eins ist im Jahrgang 2018 der Wein aus dem Morstein, mit dem Philipp Wittmann ein großer Wurf gelungen ist: Reintönige Frucht, Fülle und Kraft, viel Druck und Komplexität, Länge und Nachhall. Großartig!“
„In der Weinwelt ist Philipp Wittmann bekannt für seine finessreichen Weine mit Komplexität und Tiefgang. Wie kaum ein anderer interpretiert er das gutseigene Terroir auf meisterhafte Weise. Die Wittmanns hüten ein Erbe an erstklassigen Lagen mit zum Teil sehr alten Rebstöcken. Diese zählen zu den Spitzenlagen in Rheinhessen. Durch die Umstellung auf biodynamischen Weinbau gelingen Weine, die noch ausgewogener und finessenreicher sind als zuvor. Späte Lese, penibelste Selektion im Weinberg, die biodynamische Bewirtschaftung und der Ausbau der Weine im Holzfass führen dazu, dass die Weine perfekt ihre Lage erkennen lassen. Schon die Gutsweine bestechen durch Präzision, glasklare Frucht und leicht kalkige Mineralität. Und die Grossen Gewächse zeigen Jahr für Jahr, zu was das Wechselspiel zwischen Natur und Winzerarbeit fähig ist.“
„[…]Winzer-Paare erzählen von ihren Fernbeziehungen – entweder mit dem Partner oder mit dem eigenenen Weingut.“
„[…] dass ihre Weine Terroir-Prägung haben – und dazu gehört eben auch der Ausbau vor Ort. […] „Je trockener, desto mehr Herkunftsprägung.“ Im Finetuning unterscheiden sich ihre Ansätze allerdings: Während er Wert auf besonders klare und kühle Weine legt, arbeitet sie mit einer längeren Gärung, die den Weinen Schmelz verleiht.“
„Weltklasse-Weine kommen auch wieder von Wittmann mit einem tief- und gelbwürzigen «LA BORNE» [19/20] und auch sein komplexer Morstein gehört zu den besten des Jahrgangs.“
„Tiefgründiges, […] mit reifen Zitrusfrüchten, extrem würzig und dicht gebündelt, fördert die Assoziationen an sein kalkreiches Terroir. […] Am extraktreichen Gaumen mit saftiger Süsse und grosser Dichte, sehr langanhaltend und pickant, im Finale […]Sehr spannend.“
„Philipp Wittmann weitestgehend ohne das inzwischen weit verbreitete Stilmittel der Reduktion, aber auch ohne überbordende Primärfrucht. Herkunft first, sozusagen. Philipp Wittmann mit zweimal 96 Punkten für Morstein und Brunnenhäuschen (dazu je einmal 95 und 94) hat ganz leicht die Nase vorn.“
99 POINTS, LA BORNE RIESLING 2018: “A selection of old vines in Morstein. Super refined, steely notes of flint and oyster shell with fragrant spices and delicate, white flowers. Sweet, freshly rolled pastry, fine lemons and grapefruit, too. This is so complex and quite cryptic for now. Impenetrable. The palate also delivers a very complex impression. Very layered and finely detailed with acidity that guides a stream-like fusion of stone-fruit and yellow-citrus flavors. Very compressed, very dense and very complete. A muscular expression of Morstein terroir. “
98 POINTS, MORSTEIN RIESLING GG 2018: “Wild yellow flowers blow in a citrusy, salty breeze. Freshly picked nectarines run amok and honeydew melon drips in intensity. Allurind and decadent at the same time with glitzy tension, but ornately spiced stone fruit. The acidity is tempered only by raw power here. Stoney and tightly constructed, but deep and welcoming. Drink now or hold“
96 POINTS, BRUNNENHÄUSCHEN RIESLING GG 2018: “Lots of white pepper and nutmeg here, as well as green peppers, juniper berries, dill and coriander. Crystal-clear purity of green and citrus fruit to the medium-to full-bodied palate. Lithe and fruity but grateful and pointed on the very chewy finish. Drink or hold.“
97 POINTS, KIRCHSPIEL RIESLING GG 2018: “This has a super fine nose with an impression of aromatic elegance and finely defined notes of chalk, white pepper, dry spices and a fresh, lemon and lime-peel edge. The palate has pin-point acidity and fine, leaf-like detail. The power is very discreet here and the finish is succulent, dry and uber fresh. Drink or hold.“
96 POINTS, AULERDE RIESLING TROCKEN 2018: “Very intense, lemony notes here with dried honeysuckle, apple curd, bright quince and spearmint. There`s a layered, compressed quality to the center palate, despite the impressive power here, and the acidity drives long and pure. Ripe but well-defined on the finish. Drink or hold.“
95 POINTS, WESTHOFENER RIESLING 2018: “Plenty of butter, milk, apricot pie, mangoes, papaya and dried-pear tart. Even a touch of bananas. While the nose is certainly in the tropical zone, the palate is unexpectedly steely with a deep indent of acidity punctuating the otherwise soft and round impression. A contrastive , tense white in the end. Drink or hold.”
93 POINTS, NIERSTEINER RIESLING 2018: “Lots of freshly squeezed citrus, oyster shell and smoke here, as well as flint and chalk. Very racy and mineral with a taut backbone of acidity and crunchy yet pliable texture. Medium-bodied, sleek and elegant.”
93 POINTS, RIESLING ESTATE 2018: “This is a really pretty Riesling with bright leman, curd, orange blossom and lime cordial. Signature minerality and depth for this price point; this is a medium-to full-bodied Riesling with smooth, textural appeal, but a vivacious backbone of acidity. Drink now.”
91 POINTS, WEISSBURGUNDER TROCKEN, 2018: “Cherry blossom, fresh apples, poached pears and citruy. Supple and soft on the palate with pliable acidity and a fruity yet bright finish, reminiscent of chamomile tea. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now.”
91 POINTS, “100 HÜGEL” RIESLING TROCKEN 2018: “Grilled peaches, dried apple rind, pear tart and loquat spring into action on the nose. Attractive steely texture with bright acidity crunch and tightly wound phenolics. Medium-bodied and fruity. Drink now.”
“Dried peach, ripe pear and wet earth on a heady nose. Combines the warmth of the Wonnegau with the inherent coolness of limestone. Peach and pear reappear on the palate through a prism of lean, fine freshness. Will be worth the wait.”
„Philipp Wittman’s parents were already ahead of their time with organic farming, and Philipp introduced biodynamic methods as early as 2004. Since he took over fully in 2007, the estate has climbed to Germany’s top with pristine Rieslings from the best sites in Westhofen.”
ZUM THUNFISCHSTEAK - SAFTIG, MINERALISCH, BIODYNAMISCH „[…] Der frische Wein, zeigt am Gaumen Noten von Mirabelle, Grapefruit und schwarzen Johannisbeeren. Diese Scheurebe präsentiert sich saftig, mineralisch, mit angenehmem Säureanteil. Sie schmeckt solo hervorragend, aber auch als Begleitung zu asiatisch-scharfer Küche, zu Bergkäse mit Salzkristallen und zum ganz kurz gebratenen Thunfischsteak.“
„Frischer und einladender Duft nach Weihrauch, feiner Birne, Melone und nassem Stein. Am Gaumen gut gebaut und bestens balanciert, fein austarierte Säure und dezenter Tannineintrag, hat Zug und Druck und ist trotzdem entspannt, endet lang mit mineralisch-rauchigen Noten. In sich stimmig und beeindruckend.“
“The Morstein has always been a flagship Grosses Gewächs for the Wittmann estate and the 2017 is no different. Once again it is very generous in terms of fruit. Mango and pineapple giving it a tropical expression on the nose and peach and apricot put in a strong local presence on the palate. But before you can say fruit salad, a reverberating acidity adds sparkling vibrancy, and a fine peel note brings a subtle bitter-sweet hint to the finish.” Drink 2018-2025
“Tropical fruit may be the common denominator in Wittmann's Grosse Gewächse from Westhofen. The Brunnenhäuschen is seemingly more exuberant in its lusciousness than the other three. Passion fruit and orange ooze sweet juice, and it takes a lot of zesty bitter-peel notes to take this to a vibrant conclusion. Lots of juicy substance will make this a favourite with hedonists.” Drink 2018-2025
“Wittmann's Kirchspiel is all about citrus fruit, from the exhilarating fragrance to the zesty sweet taste of oranges, almost spritzy in the mouth with a feel of cream soda. Very seductive but not very dry.“ Drink 2018-2025
“Philipp Wittmann's Aulerde exudes a generous fragrance of citrus fruit (just like Groebe's Aulerde). On the palate, a refreshing taste of zesty grapefruit and bitter-sweet orange. Another ‘sweetie’, although the residual sugar is well balanced by lively acidity.“ Drink 2018-2025
“It is hardly surprising that Philipp Wittmann’s Westhofen is primus inter pares of his village Rieslings, as the fruit for this wine hails from the prime sites of Morstein and Kirchspiel. A delightfully fresh fragrance combines local fruit with citrusy notes. The palate goes one better, adding subtle mineral and spicy nuances to the animating taste of juicy fruit.”
"Selbst seine ‚einfachen‘ Weine präsentieren sich langlebig und komplex. Zudem schafft es kaum ein anderes Weingut, die Lagenunterschiede, vor allem zwischen Morstein, Aulerde, Kirschspiel und Brunnenhäuschen so fein heruaszuarbeiten."
„Ein besseres Großes Gewächs aus dem Morstein gab es im Jahr 2017 nicht. Tiefgründig, mineralisch, puristisch und mit endlosem Reifepotential.“
"Über das hohe Einstiegsniveau freuen wir uns jedes Jahr – aber das zeichnet eben einen Spitzenbetrieb aus. Alle Gutsweine mag man mit Freude trinken. […] Der Gutsriesling ist würtzig und eindringlich im Bouquet, frisch, klar und zupackend, besitzt gute Struktur und Frucht."
"Philipp Wittmann füllt seit Jahren sehr homogene, hochklassige Gutskollektionen ab - vom Basisriesling bis zum 'Großen Gewächs'."
"Bei der Geschmacksprägung seiner Weine setzt Wittmann lieber auf den Kalkstein in den Weinbergen und die zum Teil uralten Reben, etwa in der Lage Kirchspiel."
“The light golden hue of this bone-dry, intensely mineral-driven white hints at concentration, and while the palate matches, this features beautifully integrated acidity that beams, imparting a lively profile. The flavors of rich meringue, cream and fleur de sel are sprinkled with bold, ripe notes of melon, coconut and spice. The succulent, mouthwatering finish flows across the palate. Best from 2021 through 2035.”
“Starts off racy and elegant before unraveling, with a richly spiced frame and a core of fruity flavors of red peach, Meyer lemon and persimmon. A very seductive and refined version, offering a bit of creaminess offset by crystalline acidity. The powerful finish is full of ripe, spiced flavors and intense creamy notes. Shows plenty of pedigree, so feel free to wait a few years. Best from 2021 through 2034.”
“Amazingly fresh, but buttery and rich, with piercing acidity cutting through vibrant flavors of lemon oil, mango and ripe pear. Offers a floral element that imparts extra lift due to the bergamot and blood orange accents. The spice and mineral notes glide seamlessly into the long finish. This should come around nicely with time. Best from 2020 through 2030.”
“Lemon cream flavors and hints of clove and cardamom mark this well-knit dry Riesling, which combines power and elegance. Shows plenty of structure to balance the expressive palate, with a disarming clarity that belies the concentration. Best from 2020 through 2031.”
“Flavors of currant and white raspberry mingle with spice components on the palate, and there is plenty of complexity from the soil and herbal details in this intense and focused Riesling. All the elements are harmonious and appealing from start to finish. Drink now through 2026.”
“A charming dry version, offering a lovely mineral profile and vivid structure, featuring flavors of nectarine and pear, with hints of wild rose. Savory mineral notes linger on the well-defined finish. Drink now through 2023.”
„Damit hätte niemand (auch nicht der Winzer selbst) gerechnet: Der Riesling-Star trumpft mit Spätburgunder auf. Klare, feine Beerenfrucht in der Nase, sehr animierend; im Geschmack feinmaschig, elegant, vornehme Anmutung, gekonnter, zurückhaltender Holzeinsatz.“
SPÄTBURGUNDER -RESERVE- 2015 - TOP 10 der Spätburgunder Deutschland
“Stunning vitality and great mirabelle fruit, as well as a floral touch on the nose. Then, the chalky mineral character charges through and drives the finish ever further out there. A unique expression of the Morstein site. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Drink or hold.“
“Anything but a fruit bomb, this has gigantic herbal intensity on the nose, then literally breathtaking concentration on the palate and a finish of crystalline purity – words more often used to describe the much sleeker wines from the Mosel. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Gigantic aging potential, but you can certainly drink it now.“
“Maybe this isn’t the most powerful dry riesling on planet Rheinhessen, but it is an exceedingly beautiful example with fine apricots and a cool, very filigree finish for this rather warm region. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Drink or hold.“
“Very complex, herbal nose, the fruity notes way in the background. Really concentrated but also super-elegant with a fine-grained texture that’s unlike any other Wittmann GG. Exceptionally long finish with intense chalky character. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Great aging potential. Drink or hold.“
“It’s no wonder that this has the ripeness and depth of a top, single-vineyard wine, considering that it comes mostly from the Morstein, plus some Brünnenhäuschen. Powerful but subtle with a ton of herbal and chalky character at the very long, clean finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.
“Lavish yellow fruit, including some almost overripe pineapple. This just avoids tipping into opulence; there's healthy acidity and that lifts this monster dry riesling at the bold, herbal finish. From almost 70 year old vines. Biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Drink or hold.“
“Stunning ripeness, but only red fruit and a hint of fresh herbs. Serious tannins, but they are already beautifully integrated in the medium-full body. Very long finish that has the same chalky character as the top riesling GGs. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Drink or hold.“
“You could easily mistake this pinot blanc for a top white burgundy, thanks to the wonderful concentration, toasted-nut character, creamy elegance and super-long, refined finish. From old vines in the Steingrube site. Biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.“
“It’s no wonder that this has the ripeness and depth of a top, single-vineyard wine, considering that it comes mostly from the Morstein, plus some Brunnenhäuschen. Powerful but subtle with a ton of herbal and chalky character at the very long, clean finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.”
“Very graceful and filigree, in spite of all the mineral power and the ripe white peaches and apricots. Near-perfect balance at the long finish. From the Orbel and Ölberg top sites. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified.“
“Slightly opulent, fresh quince and citrus aromas and plenty of body, but the fresh acidity is able to this without much trouble, keeping the finish rather sleek and crisp. Some tannins at the bold finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Drink or hold.“
„satte gelbe Wildkräuter, kandierte Zitrusfrüchte; sehr viel Extrakt, sehr dicht, in Frucht gehüllte, rassige Säure, dazu salzig-mineralisch, extrem intensiv am Gaumen“
„gelbe Frucht, Sommerheu, Getreidefeld, leicht rauchig; intensiv mit viel Extrakt, salzig und mit kalkigem Grip unterlegt, was die Intensität zusätzlich steigert“
„Hopfen, kühle Würze, helle Frucht, Birne; sehr pikant, viel Spiel, leichtfüßig, dezent toniger Grip, tolle Balance“
„Sonnenblumenkerne, gelbes Kernobst, hefig-erdig, etwas gedeckt, dahinter auch Kräuterwürze und Tee; sehr komplex und elegant, Säure gut verpackt, griffig-toniges Finale“
„Seit 30 Jahren ist Wittmann eines der stärksten Weingüter im Land. Und Philipp Wittmann dreht immer noch ein bisschen weiter an den Stellschrauben. Hier entstehen Monumente. Manches Gut wäre froh, wenn seine Spitzenweine so gut wären, wie hier schon die Basisqualitäten.“
“Situated in the wine region of Rheinhessen in Germany, the Morstein vineyard site in Westhofen has achieved cult status since the last turn of the century by playing a key role in the paradigm shift for German wines from sweet to dry wines. Today, the Morstein has garnered international attention for producing dry white wines of great complexity and restrained power.
The man behind this celebrated wine is Philipp Wittmann, owner and winemaker of the Wittmann estate in Westhofen. When he released his first solo Morstein, the great 2001 vintage he pushed the long-forgotten Westhofen into the spotlight, making this one of the great turning points in German winemaking.
In many ways, the Morstein site is typical for a new German “grand cru”. The soil is clay-marl over limestone cliffs, which means the soil is much closer to that of the Grand Cru Montrachet than to the slate of the Mosel Valley. Although the Morstein vineyard has an inclination of 20 to 25% —less than half that of the other top sites on the Mosel — the soil is only 20 centimeters deep in some places, and the maximum depth is only 1.5 meters. Due to the altitude of 180 to 240 meters above sea level, the site is best described as a cool corner in a rather warm region. This unique terroir and microclimate lead to a healthy acidity content, which helps explain the restrained power in Morstein dry Rieslings, preventing the wine from ever tasting heavy.”
“It's almost supernatural how fresh and delicate this medium- to full-bodied dry Riesling is on the nose. Yet, it is also incredibly deep and complex on the palate. You don't need to know anything about German wine or this grape for it to take your breath away. The peachy fruits are so seductive and the harmony is so dazzling. Tasted on two occasions with consistent notes. Drink or hold.“
“The smokiest and spiciest Wittmann's 2017 Riesling GG. Shows enormous depth and yet, it remains cool and poised. A super long and mineral finish with a delicate creaminess that balances the bright acidity exactly. An amazing achievement, considering the hail damage occurred just weeks before the harvest. Though the quantity was much lower than normal, there is no doubt that this is a masterpiece. Better from 2020.”
“Already stunning on release, this has now turned into a spectacular beauty with a near-perfect apricot nose with hints of spices. Super rich but impeccably balanced. A very long finish that is so silky, making it impossible to resist. Very easy to enjoy now, but probably has a couple of decades ahead of it.”
“This wine is from an ugly-duckling vintage, which is associated with high acidity and often poor ripeness, but it has turned into the most beautiful swan. Stunning apricot and mango nose. Rich and succulent on the palate with a lively acidity that perfectly balances the generous body and chalky power at the imposing finish. How did he do it? Picking for this continued into early November!”
“Quite toasty on the nose, which is probably from bottle maturation. This Morstein is so bold, richly textural and dry that you could mistaken it for a grand cru white burgundy! Some dry German Rieslings of this vintage has dominant tannins, but here this quality gives the wine an extra dimension of power. At 13.5% alcohol, this is the heaviest Wittmann Morstein of recent times. Drink or hold.”
“Although this medium- full-bodied dry Riesling lacks a bit of the originality and enormous length of the best recent vintages of Wittmann's Morstein, it is still remarkably fresh for its age. Considerable depth on the mid-palate with spot-on balance. Where is the lobster? Drink or hold”
“Brimming with mirabelle aromas, this concentrated dry Riesling has a great balance of creamy richness and mineral freshness that extends through the very long finish. Just beginning to open up. The best dry white from this producer to date!”
“Perhaps this isn't the most powerful Morstein Wittmann ever made, but it has all the smoke and chalky mineral character you'd expect from the site. On top of that, there is a gracefulness that is rare in this difficult vintage (rain at harvest and the Suzuki fly spreading sour rot). The crisp acidity is married to an attractive beeswax character. A long, complex finish. Drink or hold.”
“A major contrast to the many German dry Rieslings of this vintage, which taste heavy and rather tired due to botrytis and late picking. This has a rich apricot and mango character. Full body with quite some creaminess, as well as enough acidity and vitality to lift all that weight. A long, chalky finish with a tiny hint of sweetness. Drink or hold.”
“There's a hint of botrytis here that gives it candied citrus and acacia honey notes, but on the palate, the wine is concentrated and rich. The high acidity makes it slightly edgy at the finish, which is a typical attribute for this vintage. This should smoothen out a bit more with more bottle age. Impressive now, but may gain in harmony in 2030.”
“Very cool and discrete for this ripe vintage. With quite some creaminess on the mid-palate, this is both concentrated and polished. But it lacks some of the complexity of the 2011 and the stunning fruit of the 2012, which are also both ripe vintages. Drink or hold.”
“This is a delicious glass of dry Riesling, but its combination of caramelized mandarin and nectarine character and high acidity makes it an oddball in the row of Wittmann Morsteins. Interesting baked apples and parsley character at the chalk, slightly angular finish. Drink or hold.”
“Issuing once again from vines in the Niersteiner Orbel, this delivers a gorgeous nose of mirabelle, quince and white peach garlanded in musky narcissus and peony. The palate is silken and opulent but retains a fine sense of primary juiciness and energy. Smoke and crushed stone inflections add interest, and fruit pit piquancy lends invigoration to a finish that lusciously preserves the fruits and florality signaled on the nose. What a difference a vintage makes when one compares this relatively late-picked Niersteiner with its far less successful 2015 predecessor!” (Drink 2018-2022)
“Wittmann’s first (2015) crop from his newly acquired acreage in the stony, chalky Gundersheimer Höllenbrand – adjacent to Morstein – was a Trockenbeerenauslese. But now we get to experience “normal” Rieslings from this site, sourced from a small remnant of old vines plus ones recently planted after this Einzellage underwent wholesale restructuring. (Wittmann’s plan is to eventually launch a Höllenbrand Grosses Gewächs.) Fresh lemon and crab apple strongly marked by their seeds make for a nose-wrinkling aromatic blast and a bright, tart-edged, piquant palate impression whose invigorating effect is amplified by a peppery, chalky sense of mineral suffusion, leading to a finish of vibratory energy, refreshing juiciness and admirable clarity.” (Drink 2018-2022)
“Scents of fresh lime, cherry and white peach anticipate tangy juiciness and invigoratingly seed- and pit-inflected piquancy on a firm but not adamant palate. A cooling sense of thyme and chalk suffusion adds to the appeal of a surprisingly soothing as well as buoyant and generously juicy finish. (Drink 2018-2022)
“Philipp Wittmann blends this wine from his best sites in and around Westhofen, fermenting the fruit in large casks with ambient yeasts and leaving it for ten months on the lees. The 2016 shows its ripeness in its peach and pear flavor and lemon-curd acidity, then balances it with mineral tones that seem to reflect light through the wine. It last, lifted and fresh, elegant in its lines.”
“Sourced from Philipp Wittmann’s biodynamically farmed vineyards in and around Westhofen, this is though at first, marked by the scent the Germans call sponti, a funky scent that occurs in some Rieslings fermented with ambient yeasts. Give it time in the glass and those notes meld into the wine, building texture and density around the crisp green-papaya fruit. Full bodied yet near-weightless, thanks to the limey acidity, this has the sort of balance to take on most any food.”
Lavish yet acutely balanced, Wittmann's basic-label Spätburgunder offers deep, ripe blackberry and red currant flavors off set by bristling acidity. Layers of bramble, toast and smoke add complexity to nose and palate, along with a reverberating crushed-granite finish. Framed by fine, persistent tannins, its approachable already but should show beautifully for another decade to come.
Crisp lemon, tangerine and green apple are zippy and thirst quenching in this dry Pinot Blanc. It's an intently mineral wine, boasting deep veins of crushed stone and mineral. The finish is brisk but pristine. Drink now through 2021.
Pristine notes of lime zest, grapefruit and gooseberry persist from nose to finish in this vibrant, dry Riesling. Light bodied and bracing, it's a crisply textured wine with a refreshing, long finish. Drink now through 2020.
Hints of honey and orange blossom soften cutting lime and lemon flavors in this medium-bodied Riesling. Dry in style, it's a zesty, intensely thirst quenching wine, with a long finish fringed by bitter, waxy lime-pith complexities. Drink now through 2020.
Orange blossoms and lime pith perfume this full-bodied Pinot Blanc. Juicy grapefruit and lemon flavors are plush on the palate, but there's also a deep mineral core. The finish is pristine and pure. Drink now through 2019.
„Auch in diesem Jahr ist das Einstiegsniveau wieder sehr hoch, schon die Gutsweine sind alle sehr gut. Unter den vier Großen Gewächsen ist dieses Jahr der Morstein unser eindeutiger Favorit, einer der großen Rieslinge des Jahrgangs in Deutschland. Ganz starke Kollektion!“
„Bei der Geschmacksprägung seiner Weine setzt Wittmann lieber auf den Kalkstein in den Weinbergen und die zum Teil uralten Reben, etwa in der Lage Kirchspiel, einem unserer Favoriten im Jahrgang 2016."
„Fordernder Schmelz, kühler Apfel, Anflug von reifem Wildmirabellenkern, vornehmer Nachhall“
"Die Kollektion ist von einer fantastischen Homogenität und Jahrgangstreue, die Großen Lagen stehen sich in praktisch nichts nach."
„Philipp Wittmann hat den Betrieb, seit je bekannt für gute trockene Weine, in die Spitzengruppe der deutschen Weingüter geführt. Die hohe Qualität der Weinkollektion belegen nicht nur die ‚Großen Gewächse‘, sondern auch die trockenen Scheureben, Silvaner und Weißburgunder.“
„In diesem noch sehr jugendlichen Wein halten sich Tiefe und Feinheit exakt die Waage. Die Fruchtaromen […] beginnen sich erst langsam zu entfalten […] es ist vielmehr die intensive „kalkige“ Note im ewig langen Geschmacksfinale, die ihn so besonders macht. Lange Zeit haben die Experten behauptet, genau dies zeichne einen großen Chablis aus, komme aber nicht in einem deutschen Riesling vor. Philipp Wittmann hat diese Regel widerlegt.“
“The 2016 grand crus (Grosses Gewächs) are great wines, the parcels were picked at the end of October and deliver clear, fresh and terroir-driven dry Rieslings of which the auctioned La Borne and Morstein are outstanding wines full of purity, finesse and elegance.(…)”
“The 2016 Riesling Alte Reben La Borne is from a special (upper) parcel in the Morstein that always gives a special, extremely chalky character. On the nose there is a very pure, elegant, concentrated and herbal bouquet of perfectly ripe and chalky Riesling aromas. On the palate this is a full-bodied, rich and creamy but fine and highly elegant Riesling with ripe, lush fruit, fine tannins and lingering salinity. It is a gorgeous Riesling with great intensity, finesse and more flesh compared to the Morstein GG.” Drink 2018 – 2040
“The 2016 Morstein Riesling GG is super clear, fresh and intense but also pure, fine and chalky on the nose, indicating remarkable finesse and complexity. The attack on the palate is really fresh if not piquant, the wine pure, fresh and mineral, with almost no flesh but lots of salt and minerals as well as fine, juicy tannins. Still terribly young but precise and well-defined, this is an endlessly salty and stimulating Morstein for a long-distance run. Gorgeous and very promising in its finesse, elegance and purity. A classic from late-ripening grapes. Great, great finesse here and a very long, pure finish.” Drink 2020-2040
“The Brunnenhäuschen is intense, ripe, pure and salty on the nose, very deep and elegant with ripe fruit and spicy/salty aromas. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, fresh, finessed and salty dry Riesling with power and grip but also purity, finesse and a lingering salinity intertwined with fine tannins. This is full-bodied, rich and pure Riesling with excellent aging potential.” Drink 2021-2032
“The 2016 Aulerde Riesling GG is purer, fresher and more mineral than ever before. Coming from deep and coolish marly soils and vines planted in 1951, this is a flinty/smoky and lemony Riesling with stunning purity and a coolish character. Pure, fresh and intense on the silky-textured palate, this is a well-structured, intense but still elegant dry Riesling with ripe fruit flavors, fine grippy tannins and lingering salinity. One of the finest Aulerede GGs I can remember.” Drink 2018-2032
“From an east-facing, very calcareous grand cru that gives more spicy rather than fruity flavors, the intensely yellow colored 2016 Kirchspiel Riesling GG offers a pure, chalky and spicy nose with concentrated, ripe Riesling aromas intermixed with crushed stones. Full-bodied, intense and concentrated on the palate, this is a juicy, silky and elegant Riesling with stimulating concentration and salinity. Very fine and complex. An impressive Riesling from chalk.”
“The 2016 Niersteiner Riesling Trocken, entirely sourced in the Orbel right next to the GG parcel of St. Antony, opens with a super pure and floral-scented slatey bouquet that indicates remarkable precision and finesse. Medium-bodied, pretty lush and round but refined and elegant, this is an excellent and salty dry Riesling with fine tannins, lingering minerals and a long, aromatic finish. A remarkably good wine and miles better than the 2015.” Drink 2017-2030
“The Westhofener Riesling is from younger (10- to 20-year-old) vines in the Morstein and Brunnenhäuschen. The bouquet indicates a riper, warmer, more full-bodied and intense Riesling on the nose and this is exactly what you get: a juicy, round and full-bodied Riesling with warm and lush fruit, fine chalky tannins and a good aromatic finish. Nice grip and salinity. Still very young but promising.” Drink 2018-2030
“Sourced entirely in Westhofen's calcareous soils and fermented and aged predominantly in (large) oak, the 2016 Riesling Trocken has an intense, citrus-yellow color and opens with an aromatic bouquet of ripe, lush Riesling aromas with floral and delicate chalky aromas. On the palate, this is silky-textured, very elegant and balanced Riesling with a medium body and a pure, salty, well-structured, dry finish with good grip and purity. This is is Wittmann's liquid philosophy of pure and calcareous Riesling from biodynamically farmed, top vineyards in calcareous soils.” Drink 2018-2030
“2016 confirms the Aulerde’s reputation as the most opulent and forward of Wittmann’s Grosse Gewächse. The almost overwhelming exhibition of tropical fruit does not stop short of the palate, but even adds some juicy stone-fruit flavours to the sweet taste of passion fruit, orange and pineapple.
A full body and rich texture serve as further proof of generosity, but a fair sprinkling of fresh herbs, sweet spices and dusty minerality make sure that the Aulerde has far more to offer .” Drink 2017-2025
“Although the Kirchspiel opens with its usual generous exhibition of exotic and stone fruit aromas, a delightful fragrance of highly scented Mediterranean herbs adds intrigue. On the palate, juicy peaches and nectarines are joined by exotic spice, sweet herbs and a subtle sprinkling of dusty minerality. Ample acidity provides contours to a full body.” Drink 2017-2025
“A truly Grosses Gewächs will never be purely based on fruit, but there is no harm in opening the performance of peach, apricot and citrus fruit. As soon as the wine hits the palate the fruity pleasantries become just a side show to the main mineral performance. Rock solid, taut, powerful, the Brunnenhäuschen is as much about structure and finesse, as it is about complexity of flavor with its wide array of stony, spicy herbal and fruity nuances.” Drink 2017-2026
“The 2016 Morstein takes me by surprise with its abundance of aromatics and extreme ripeness. Apricot, peach and nectarine are just some of the fruits that ooze sweet juice on the palate, and a curvaceous body and creamy texture only serve to emphasise the generous expression of the vintage. But Wittmann’s Morstein does not just rely on the big is beautiful, as it adds some fine spicy and mineral notes for sophistication.” Drink 2017-2026
“Terroir lives in Rheinhessen and the geological diversity of the region strongly marks the wines. Loess may be the most common soil type, but there are plenty of vineyards with a limestone-based soil that give wines with a ‘chalky’ character reminiscent of Chablis. The 2016 Morstein GG from Wittmann with 98 points is one of our highest-rated dry Rieslings and is a near perfect example of this powerful but elegant type.”
The amazing thing about this wine is the way it marries its enormous power with a stunning freshness. If the finish of this wines doesn't blow your mind then either you don't like white wine or you hate acidity. Drink now.
Be prepared! This is the most closed of the 2016 Wittmann Grosses Gewächs, but it has extraordinary finesse. Then the fundamental power climbs out of the abyss and pushes the incredibly fine, chalky finish out towards infinity. Please wait until at least 2018, because this has enormous potential. No hurry! You can even hang on through 2050.
Enormously deep, but also extremely elegant this is the perfect riesling answer to the Grand Crus of Burgundy. If you're in doubt just let this wine roll over your palate and pay attention to the gigantic finish. Drink now, though this also has tremendous ageing potential.
Stunning concentration, racy energy and minerality that makes you wonder if you're strong enough to take its intensity and radical character. Have I any chance to live as long as this wine? Drink now and forever.
Cool and super-herbal in the nose, before all the ripeness and the racy power which this site can give charges through and leaves you a little breathless. Drink now.
„[…]während 2015 ein eher reifer Jahrgang war, kraftvoll und saftig, kommt der 2016er straff und würzig daher. Allerdings auch konzentriert und dicht: Die besten Weine des Jahrgangs sind für lange Reife prädestiniert.“
„Den Morstein kennt man ja, einen der begehrtesten Weine, den das Anbaugebiet Rheinhessen hervorbringt […]. Aber das Brunnenhäuschen wird manchmal unterschätzt, ist es doch weniger kraftvoll, sondern verführerischer, mit Noten von Stachelbeere und Kräutern. Kann man schon jetzt trinken –wenn es denn sein muss.“
„eher dunkle Würze, Lakritz, schwarzer Tee, reife Zitrusfrucht, Wacholder, dicht, aber doch feingliedrig, griffig-kalkige Textur, sehr engmaschig, jederzeit voll präsent, mit Zug, nie ausladend“
„feinste Gewürznoten, Anis, Fenchelsamen, sehr hell, Pfirsich, Kumquat, ganz leicht rauchig, schwarze Tee, sehr dicht, fest, kompakt, mit kalkiger Textur, feinem Gerbstoffbiss, griffig, große Länge“
„offene, gelbe Frucht, Pfirsich, etwas Kamille, Heu, Johanniskraut, Zirbe, rassige Säure, eingehüllt in zart fruchtsüßen, eher hefigen Schmelz, dicht, konzentriert, sehr klar, aus einem Guss“
The Vintage 2016 wines are even more authentic in their Riesling typicality than the more opulent, generous and fruity 2015s.
“The delightful citrus and spice nose of Wittmann’s Niersteiner village vindicates my claim. Generous body and relatively soft texture.”
“With ist grapes coming from the Grand Cru MORSTEIN and KIRCHSPIEL vineyards, Wittmann’s Westhofener village Riesling has an impeccable pedigree, and its composition of yellow fruit, salty minerality and fine spices do full justice to its provenance.”
“Very minerally and powerfully fruity, with impressive cut to the dried apple, lemon-lime and star fruit flavors. Dried herbal notes show midpalate, leading to a finish that lingers with roasted pineapple details and rich, spicy accents.”
“Crunchy, featuring snappy dried apple, green pear and lemon bar flavors and accents of verbena and thyme, providing an elegant mouthfeel. The powerful and fresh finish is minerally, showing hints of white pepper.”
”Very rich and elegant, with a slightly airy texture to the richly spiced flavors of pastry, dried apple and roasted pineapple. Engaging notes of shiso and dried sage linger into the vibrantly spiced finish.”
“Very rich and elegant, with a slightly airy texture to the richly spiced flavours of pastry, dried apple and roasted pineapple. Engaging notes of shiso and dried sage linger into the vibrantly spiced finish.”
”A fruity style, featuring a mix of peach, Fuji apple and dried pear flavors, supported by fresh acidity. Juicy midpalate, with a finish of dried ginger and spice”
“Offering a custardy aroma and plenty of minerality, this delivers juicy acidity in the midpalate, with a firm structure. Lingering notes of honeysuckle and spice on the finish”
„Um die Führungsrolle streiten sich wie so oft Morstein und Brunnenhäuschen. Morstein, der viel Konzentration und reintönige reife Frucht zeigt, kraftvoll und jugendlich. Das Brunnenhäuschen zeigt gute Konzentration und herrlich viel Frucht, noch enorm jugendlich. (…) Ganz starke Kollektion!“
„Genau darum geht es Philipp Wittmann: um das mineralische Erlebnis, um Salzigkeit, Kühle, Länge – und Herkunftsbezug. Wittmann steht für uns für eine absolut authentische Weinkultur, die sich genau richtig definiert."
„Sie schmeckt wie ein Riesling mit einer kleinen Portion zusätzlicher Exotik und ist so ziemlich das Beste, was in Deutschland aus dieser (…) Züchtung gemacht wird.“
“Wittmann’s 2015 range is excellent again and is comprised of world-class, dry Rieslings such as La Borne, Morstein GG and Brunnenhäuschen GG.”
“Wittmann’s iconic 2015 Riesling GG Morstein comes along as a limestone rock incarnation of Riesling with concentrated fruits and lemon perfume on the nose. This is extremely well focused, pure and precise. This wine is long, persistent, very complex and salty on the finish. There is really good tension and grip here and the chalk seems to crumble on the palate. This is a Must Have of the 2015 vintage. The acidy is almost Mosel-like in its delicacy. The finish has a great grip and tension. This is a great wine.”
“Piquant, fresh and citrus-like on the palate, this is a densely woven, rich, intense and powerful Kirchspiel. It has chalk and flesh—intellectual and hedonistic components. The wine is very clear and fresh, combining its powerful and chalky nature with tension, freshness and finesse. The finish is long and very promising.”
“very precise and elegant, as well as floral and stony. This has a unique style. On the palate, this is a clear, precise and electrifying Riesling with purity, lots of tension and minerality. The finish is lean, piquant, very long and precise, with a long and stimulating finish. This is a great wine. The chalk comes along finely grained and dusty, and the overall texture is silky, but the finish is almost crystalline in its precision and salinity.”
”The wine has a stunning freshness, finesse and mineral vitality, combining its rich and dense texture with grip and piquancy. The finish displays some cooked fruit and stimulating passion fruit aromas, but remains clear, dry, firm and fresh. This is a stunning Aulerde, given this warm and dry vintage. Probably the finest I have ever tasted.
„…hopfige Spontiwürze, dazu kühle Kräuterwürze, Bergamotte, grüner Tee(…); zupackend, (…) faszinierend“
„…rauchige Spontiwürze, Pampelmuse, (…) super pikant, puristisch, kalkiger Grip, große Länge.“
„Seit der Jahrtausendwende befindet sich Rheinhessen extrem im Aufwind. Mit seinen 2015er Riesling-GGs zeigt Wittmann in Westhofen/Rheinhessen, dass seine Weine zu den beeindruckendsten trockenen Gewächsen Deutschlands gehören. Jeder der vier Weine vereint Kraft mit Feinheit und Frische; jeder der vier ist ein eigener Mikrokosmos der Aromatik.“
„Nehmen Sie einen Gutsriesling von Philipp Wittmann aus Rheinhessen als Beispiel für einen perfekten trockenen Riesling. Da bekommen Sie für kleines Geld einen Eindruck vom Charakter, dem Terroir, der auch seine Lagenweine, die sogenannten Großen Gewächse, auszeichnet.“
„Rheinhessen ist seinem Kurswechsel auch im warmen Jahrgang 2015 weitgehend treu geblieben. Die Weine zeigen sich straffer als bis 2012, mit pikantem Säurebiss. Paradebeispiel ist die Kollektion des Weinguts Wittmann, das mit seiner puristischen Art bei.“