✭✭✭✭✭"Für die beste Weißweinkollektion des Jahres wird das Weingut Wittmann aus Westhofen in Rheinhessen ausgezeichnet - ... Rheinhessen dominiert seit langem bei unseren Schlussverkostungen der besten deutschen Rieslinge, und seit langem immer oben mit dabei sind die Weine von Philipp Wittmann."
2022 Westhofener MORSTEIN Riesling GG - 17. Platz
"Breathtaking nose of pineapple chutney and curry leaf with giant leesy
complexity, swirling together to create a great cloud of mystery. Then
you descend into a deep pit of minerality. Almost supernatural freshness and energy on the blade runner sharp palate."
✭✭✭✭✭"Die Rieslinge bilden nach wie vor das Herzstück der Kollektion von Philipp Wittmann. Wie sollte es auch anders sein bei einem Betrieb, der seit vielen Jahren mit seinen Top-Weine in der absoluten Spitze landet. Und der zudem bei den Verkostungen fünf und zehn Jahre danach belegt, dass seine Weine mit zu den Langlebigsten zählen: Weltklasse-Riesling eben."
✭✭✭✭✭"Wenn irgendwer noch bezweifeln sollte, dass biodynamisches Arbeiten im Weinberg einen positiven Effekt hat, dann sind Philipp Wittmanns Weine schwergewichtige Gegenargumente... - das ist ein phänomenales Geschmackserlebnis."
“Einer der eindrucksvollsten Weine des Jahrgangs ist intensiv und kreidig in der eleganten und würzigen Nase. Im Mund reich und monolithisch mineralisch, fest, mit feinen Gerbstoffen und viel Potential. Komplex.”
“The wines were the dry rieslings from the 2022 vintage, most important the single vineyard GGs – Germany’s equivalent of grand cru. It was no surprise that the most amazing of these was the Wittmann Riesling Rheinhessen Morstein GG 2022 (…) the almost supernatural freshness of the wine after the mostly got and dry 2022 growing season was a revelation. […]“
“Breathtaking nose (…) with giant leesy complexity, swirling together to create a great cloud of mystery. Then you descend into a deep pit of minerality. Almost supernatural fresh and energy on the blade runner sharp palate.”
“(…) A radical chalky dry Riesling with Crystalline purity that’s as amazing as the stunning concentration and vitality. (…) Still so youthful, but with a joyfulness that is completely infectious.”
“Mind-blowing spiciness hits you when your nose enters the glass. Enormous flinty energy is married to a compact and super-chalky structure on the electrifying palate. Super-long and focused finish that doesn’t want to stop.”
“(…) breathtaking vibrant and delicate nose […]. Super focused and crystalline on the (…) palate (…). This has an exotic side, but it is so restrained. Incredibly long, pure finish.”
“[…] after tsunami of fresh fruit comes a second wave of staggeringly fresh minerality. Great vitality right to the end of long, super-straight road.”
“(…) Complex juciness on the mid-palate, the elegant acidity and very fine tannins interlock beautifully and drive the almost perfectly balanced and stunningly refreshing mineral finish.”
“(…) Haunting smoky nose that’s very fresh for a just-released 2021. Very elegant and precisely contoured on the concentrated (…) palate. Fascinating minerality at the long, chalky finish that is so animating. Excellent aging potential.”
„Zwei Betriebe haben bei der Vorpremiere der VDP.Großen Gewächse in Wiesbaden eine alles überragende Riesling GG-Kollektion aus 2022 vorgestellt: Philipp Wittmann und Dr. Bürklin-Wolf. Die beiden Betriebe bilden sozusagen die Spitze von zwei stattlichen Eisbergen an grandiosen Rieslingen (..). Philipp Wittmann ist es gelungen, Handschrift, Herkunfts- und Jahrgangscharakter in perfekten Einklang zu bringen. Nicht zu fancy, nicht zu karg, nicht zu kraftvoll, die Säure perfekt eingebunden, von gut dosiertem Extrakt und griffiger, kalkig-mineralischer Textur gepuffert, aber nicht überdeckt, keine zu lauten Reduktionen, feine, aber nicht überbordende Frucht. Der Morstein steht ein Hauch über dem Brunnenhäuschen, doch auch Kirchspiel und Aulerde stehen diesen beiden kaum nach: in Zahlen einmal 97 und dreimal 96 Punkte. Wir ziehen den Hut! […]”
“Wittmanns Rieslinge sind praktisch alle trocken und überzeugen durch eine klare Stilistik. Dazu gesellen sich gerne […] würzige Noten. Gefragte Weinperlen sind die Lagenweine Brunnenhäsuchen, Morstein oder La Borne, die ein sicheres Reifepotential für mindestens zwei Jahrzehnte mit sich bringen. […] Ob frisch abgefüllt oder gereift; Wittmanns Rieslinge sind ein sicherer Wert und zählen zu den gefragtesten Rieslingen Deutschlands.“
Unser 2021 Weisser Burgunder Réserve hat bei der Falstaff Weissburgunder Trophy den 1. Platz belegt. Wir freuen uns sehr über die Auszeichnung!
"Der höchst bewertete unter 108 Weinen kommt in diesem Jahr jedoch
aus Rheinhessen: Philipp Wittmann kennt man vor allem als
Riesling-Interpreten des Westhofener Terroirs. Doch eben dort liegt eben
auch viel Kalk im Boden - Wittmanns Réserve aus dem Jahrgang 2021 trägt
einem denselben auf die Zunge. Er verbirgt derzeit noch hinter
juegendlicher Hefigkeit [...], die den Wein mit Flaschenreife zu einem
sehr kompetenten Sortenvertreter machen werden."
“The 2021 Morstein Riesling GG offers a deep and intense yet pure, nuanced, fresh and highly complex bouquet of crushed limestone, even chalk intertwined with bright, lemon fruit aromas. This bouquet is nothing less than spectacular in all its purity, subtle intensity and depth. The palate is silky, pure and saline, beautifully fine and fresh, very elegant and long yet still discreet and reduced in its expression. However, this is a chalky and lemony Mortsein from a cool year that will gain texture and complexity with bottle age. This will turn out to be a classic, and I can only recommend to buy more than you might think to buy based on the conservative score.”
“(…) offers a deep, pure, fresh and very chalky bouquet that intertwines with ripe and concentrated lemon notes; the nose is puristic and almost ascetic but on the other hand also very exciting for exactly the same reasons. On the palate, this is a silky, or better velvety, round, refined and elegant La Borne with intense, lush and charmingly textured fruit structured by fine and silky limestone acidity, fine tannins and a persistent, uplifting salinity. The La Borne is probably the most adored at this stage, but it is rare (…).”
“(…) offers a clear, intense and warm, tender and very elegant as well as balanced bouquet of ripe fruits, crushed limestone and iron. Silky and very elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied yet pure, saline and stimulating Riesling from red clay-limestone. In terms of texture, this is a finely tannic (…). It is a kind of bridge from Westhofen to Wittmann's Niersteiner, and its balanced, silky character is closer to the Niersteiner (…).”
“(…) Composed of Morstein satellites and younger vines (six plots), as well as Brunnenhäuschen and Aulerde (one plot each), the 2021 Westhofener Riesling "1G" offers a dense and intense, saline and flinty bouquet of ripe Riesling fruit with notes of crushed rocks and Amalfi lemons. Silky, lush and savory on the palate, with lingering lemon juice notes, this is a compact and tensioned, very elegant, pure and saline Riesling that can easily compete with so many Grosses Gewächs Rieslings in Germany this year. It is a stunning wine with salinity, lovely grip and tension, but it's already accessible. A Must Have.”
“(…) offers a nose to fall in love with: pure, intense, highly elegant and refined, like a Chablis based on perfectly ripe and pure Riesling fruits. It is incredibly chalky yet also lush and tropical in its fruit and intertwined with yeasty notes. Full-bodied, round and elegant on the palate, this is a lush and salty-savory, very stimulating yet quietly textured Kirchspiel whose acidity is really delicate and elegant and just holding the texture instead of cutting through it. […] It is a very elegant and balanced wine that is based on five plots, of which one vat underwent malolactic during the alcoholic fermentation.”
“(…) offers a deep, spicy, refined and very elegant bouquet with ripe fruit and finely flinty as well as phenolic nuances. Lush and savory on the palate, this is a very elegant and harmonious Aulerde with fine acidity and stimulating salinity and lots of refreshing grip on the pure and crisp finish.”
“(…) From the Ölberg and Orbel grands crus, the 2021 Niersteiner Riesling "1G" offers a clear, intense and flinty bouquet with notes of wet, crushed red rocks, wet clay and herbs, but the nose is really shining and very elegant. Round and very elegant on the palate, with tender acidity, this is a lush and refined, beautifully balanced, saline as well silky Niersteiner with fine, stimulating lemon bitters on the finish.”
“(…) From the Westhofen Steingrube, the 2020 Chardonnay Réserve spent two winters on the full lees and was bottled in March of this year. The wine opens pure, fresh and still reductive on the nose before ripe, yellow fruit aromas are slowly released. Macerated for a certain time and racked straight from the press into the barrels, the wine starts off a bit reserved but shows ripe, lush and elegant fruit with fine acidity and lingering salinity intermingled with fine phenolic grip and bitters. It is definitely a wine that should be cellared for another winter in the bottle.”
“(…) From the Steingrube and aged in 600-liter halbstücks, the 2020 Weisser Burgunder Réserve was whole-cluster pressed and offers a pure, refined and elegant nose with clear and bright fruit intertwined with coolish flinty notes of crushed stones. Round and charming on the palate, this is a textural Pinot Blanc with lush fruit and a fine, saline and stimulating bitter finish. It's an excellent white to have with food.”
“(…) is the seventh vintage after the Flurbereinigung of the Höllenbrand that extends the Morstein but is located on higher, more windy altitudes. The wine is based on grapes picked in late October and opens with a pure, fresh and stony bouquet with flinty and lemony aromas. Lush and saline on the palate, this is a pure, fresh and elegant, also lush and finessed Höllenbrand (…). It has a savory and crunchy finish with stimulating lemon bitters and white peach aromas on the aftertaste.”
“(…) is from those vats that do not undergo the second winter on the lees, like the Reserve, but that are aged in stücks, tonneaux and pièces until July. Bottled just recently, the 2021 shows a very clear and elegant bouquet with chalky notes intertwined with ripe, white fruit aromas and refreshing flinty notes. Very elegant and balanced on the palate, with ripe and elegant fruit, sustainable grippy structure and salinity, (…) with noblesse and fine grip.”
“From one Kirchspiel and five Morstein parcels, the 2021 Riesling trocken "vom Kalkstein" is the downgraded Westofen 1er cru and presents itself as a bright, deep and flinty but very charming dry Riesling from two of the village's most prestigious limestone terroirs. Vibrantly fresh and saline on the palate, this is a savory, racy and grippy dry Riesling in a lighter but tensioned style.”
“From Westhofen's stonier soils and assembling 28 different vats, Wittmann's 2021 Riesling trocken Estate is the former Gutswein, but it's already a wine that is more than just a Riesling pleasure. The white-yellow colored wine offers a clear and spicy, pure and mineral nose with ripe, elegant fruit with herbal nuances. Mouthfilling, round and textured on the palate, this is a juicy yet pure, saline and finessed, very stimulating dry Riesling with delicate lemon bitters on the finish that reveals some ripe white-peach aromas on the aftertaste.”
“From Westhofen's stonier soils and assembling 28 different vats, Wittmann's 2021 Riesling trocken Estate (…) it's already a wine that is more than just a Riesling pleasure. The white-yellow colored wine offers a clear and spicy, pure and mineral nose with ripe, elegant fruit with herbal nuances. Mouthfilling, round and textured on the palate, this is a juicy yet pure, saline and finessed, very stimulating dry Riesling with delicate lemon bitters on the finish that reveals some ripe white-peach aromas on the aftertaste.”
“(…) comes from top sites in Westhofen and is partly based on old vines. Aged in larger and smaller oak casks, the 2021 shows a clear, intense and elegant, rather coolish but precise bouquet of ripe fruits, fine lees and delicate notes of finely crushed (lime) stones. Full-bodied, fresh and immediately saline on the palate, this is an impressive, savory and persistent estate Pinot Blanc with character, grip and tension.”
“(…) From different plots on calcareous soils, the 2020 Spätburgunder trocken offers a clear, finely toasty, elegant, fresh and aromatic bouquet with dry berry and cherry as well as discreet nougat aromas. This is an authentic Rhein-Spätburgunder that was aged in barriques for about 18 months. Silky, fresh and very elegant on the palate, this is an intense, round and fruity, finely concentrated, stimulating and easy-quaffing Pinot Noir with serious tannins and intensity. The wine has a good finish with silky tannins and refreshing fine and saline acidity. (…) the wine already tastes perfectly well, especially with food.”
“Entirely from Westhofen grapes, the 2021 Grauer Burgunder trocken shows a clear, pure, fresh and precise nose with bright fruit intertwined with finely reductive flint-stone notes. Very elegant and juicy on the palate, this is a pure but round and dry Pinot Gris with fine phenolic grip on the elegant and finely bitter finish.”
“Wittmann's 2021 Riesling trocken 100 Hügel (or 100 Hills (…)) offers a clear, elegant, bright and fresh bouquet of ripe white fruit, such as Golden Delicious apples, intertwined with notes of fresh-cut grass. (…) this is a charmingly round and fresh, very elegant, straight and stimulating dry Riesling that is easy to drink, even for Riesling aficionados.”
✭✭✭✭✭ „350 Jahrgänge und rund 15 Generationen umfasst die (…) Geschichte der Wittmanns. Philipp [Wittmann] ist überzeugt: „Nur durch den Mut zum Wandel bleibt eine Tradition lebendig. ””
✭✭✭✭✭ „Was Philipp Wittmann anfasst, wird zu Gold – seine Arbeit ist stilbildend. Dem nicht nur für Rheinhessen stilbildenden Spitzenwinzer ist alles hervorragend gelungen, ganz gleich, ob es sich um Weißburgunder handelt, […] oder Riesling, der schon in der Kategorie Gutswein (…) ein geradezu strahlender Beweis dafür ist, dass ein 5 F-Weingut auch im Basisbereich fantastische Qualitäten auf die Flasche zieht. […]“
✭✭✭✭✭ „Die große Klasse zeigt sich schon beim Weißburgunder Gutswein, der den Charakter des Jahrgangs 2021 so richtig verinnerlicht hat: […] Trotz all dieser Highlights bilden die Rieslinge nach wie vor das Herzstück der Kollektion von Philipp Wittmann. Wie sollte es auch anders sein bei einem Betrieb, der seit vielen Jahren mit seinen Top-Weinen in der absoluten Spitze unserer Bundesfinale auftaucht. Und der zudem bei den Verkostungen fünf und zehn Jahre danach belegt, dass seine Weine mit zu den Bestreifenden zählen: Weltklasse Rieslinge eben.“
„[…] Philipp Wittmann, dessen Brunnenhäuschen vielleicht all das, was 2021 an Feinheit und Pikanz in Verbindung mit vibrierender Spannung hergab, am konsequentesten ausreizte. Resultat ist ein fast schwereloser, tänzelnder und dennoch konturierter Wein. Auch der Aulerde spielte der Jahrgang 2021 voll in die Karten und bescherte der sonst eher etwas üppigeren Lage viel Spannung, sodass wir die Aulerde noch knapp über Morstein und Kirchspiel ansiedeln. […]“
„Ebenfalls outstanding sind die Riesling Kollektionen von Philipp Wittmann (je einmal 97 und 96 Punkte und zweimal 95 Punkte) […]“
✭✭✭✭✭ „Wittmann und sein Team schaffen es, den Weinen ein Maximum an Frische, an kompakter Bündelung und an Potenzial mitzugeben, das gilt bis hinab zum Gutsriesling […]“
✭✭✭✭✭ „“The Winner is“: Riesling! Noch klarer als sonst dominiert Riesling die neue Kollektion von Philipp Wittmann. Und wie gehabt: Schon die Gutsweine zeigen sehr hohes Niveau. […] Großartig sind wieder einmal die vier Westhofener Lagenrieslinge. […] Morstein […] druckvoller und mineralischer, herrlich frisch, präzise und nachhaltig – und wie seine drei Kollegen enorm jugendlich. Großartige Rieslinge!“
„Eine fantastische Serie – mit einem großen Morstein an der Spitze – legte wie so oft Philipp Wittmann hin. Er zeigt sich mit seinem aktuellen Jahrgang mehr als zufrieden: […]“
“[…] Die Großen Gewächse sind längst derart etabliert, dass viele von ihnen beim offiziellen Verkaufsstart bereits ausverkauft sind. Wer etwa jetzt noch die GGs von Stars wie Wittmann, Keller, Dönnhoff, Rebholz, Fürst oder Bürklin-Wolf erwerben möchte, muss sehr viel Glück haben, um noch Flaschen, geschweige denn Kisten […] erwerben zu können. Das liegt nicht nur am quantitativ bescheidenen Jahrgang, sondern an der in 20 Jahren auch dank des GG stark angestiegenen Reputation vieler Betriebe, deren Weine mit den besten der Welt mithalten können, preislich aber noch immer rational sind. […] Das Große Gewächs hat die deutschen Winzer gelehrt, neu über Herkunft nachzudenken. Dass ein so später, kühler und auch nasser Jahrgang wie 2021 zu derart faszinierenden Weinen führen konnte, ist in diesem Kontext keine Sensation, sondern nur folgerichtig. […]”
“[…] Stuart was focused on the new crop of GGs in his tastings. This category of single-vineyard, varietal dry wines was introduced with the 2001 vintage, so this is the 20th anniversary of their first release. […] The GGs have revolutionized the way German wines are perceived around the world, enormously enhancing their reputation and waking the world up to the giant leap in quality dry German wines have made since the last turn of the century. […]”
"As deep and dense as it is subtle and mysterious, this very youthful 2021 GG is like a great ocean liner just setting off on a journey across the North Atlantic. […] Astonishing textural complexity and a very compact core. Enormously layered finish that has all the spice and wild herb aromas we expect from this great site. "
"Effusive ripe stone fruit aromas! When did I last taste such aromatic mirabelles? Concentrated […]. Tons of chalky minerality that carry the very long, precisely delineated finish. Wonderful freshness and delicacy. Excellent aging potential."
"Extremely cool, subtle and precise, you can almost smell the sun and wind of the late fall days when this was harvested. Also, lemon balm and baking yeast aromas. Super focused and refined on the creamy mid-palate, then comes the enormously long, concentrated and tightly wound finish."
"The nose of this stunning 2021 Riesling GG is a kaleidoscope of beautifully ripe stone fruit aromas. Stunning concentration and refinement, but also wonderfully spicy. Full bodied, yet enormously refreshing. Very long finish with intense mandarin orange and chalky characteristics."
"Serious concentration of impeccably ripe peachy fruit, plus great finesse make this a standout in this category. Rolls over the palate with great mineral drive, yet remains impeccably balanced. A starburst of chalky minerality at the very long finish. Mostly from the Morstein GG site with a small amount of wine from the Brunnenhäuschen GG site."
"Stunning nose of toasted baguette and beautifully ripe pear, with a whiff of flint. Stunning concentration and elegance, this wine’s power is exactly matched by the energy. […] it will need some time to unveil its riches. […] Very long, seamless and upliftingly fresh finish."
"The 2021 vintage has given the bold and generous character of this site a cool herbal element. Next to the ripe mirabelle and melon fruit are notes of licorice and sandalwood. The grapefruit acidity lifts the rather full body very nicely. […]"
"A generous and ripe dry Riesling for 2021 in Germany. So much apricot, ripe orange, bergamot and smoke. Imposing and complex structure that makes a bold statement. Really long, mineral finish with tons of wild herb notes. From 8-year-old vines in the Höllenbrand site."
"This German pinot noir has a flinty nose that reminds me of youthful Corton Grand Cru from Burgundy. It too needs some time to open up, but already has stunning silkiness on the very sophisticated, medium-bodied palate. Long, very wet-stone mineral finish that doesn’t want to stop."
"An excellent example of what the limestone vineyards of Westhofen do for Riesling. This is packed with a wide spectrum of citrus and stone fruits, plus a touch of licorice! Stunning concentration and an excellent richness […]. Elegant acidity and tons of chalky minerality are beautifully interwoven at the long finish."
"A subtle and sophisticated chardonnay with delicate toasty oak married to a sleek and precisely contoured palate. The smoky and chalky character build through the long silky finish. Ends with salty minerality."
"Very classic Nierstein aromas of rose hip, wild berries and herbs with a hint of licorice. A cool and sleek wine at the lower end of medium-bodied, with spot-on balance and a delicate finish."
"A very elegant and silky medium-bodied dry pinot blanc with a lot of finesse. Delicate aromas of candied lemon, pomelo and bergamot. Long, silky, cool finish with some herbal freshness. 100% from the Steingrube site."
"Stunning nose of ripe pear, mandarin orange and smoke. Impressive concentration for the challenging vintage with a nice juiciness and good chalky minerality. Long, surprisingly complex and harmonious finish […]."
"A wide spectrum of aromas from lemon curd to toasted baguette via ripe pear and green beans. An elegant tannin structure is wrapped in an attractive creaminess. Excellent depth of fruit at the long, polished finish."
"The attractive nose of red cherry with delicate earthy and smoky notes pulls you into this elegant and well-structured German pinot noir that easily matches a string of Burgundian village wines. Long finish with plenty of chalky minerality."
"Plenty of snow peas and fresh herbs with ripe yellow apple fruit. […] this has serious structure and bright acidity for the pinot blanc grape. Some positive chalky character at the long, Amalfi lemon finish."
WEIN.PLUS Magazin – Kollektion des Jahres
✭✭✭✭✭ […] „was Philipp Wittmann derzeit auf die Flasche zieht, stellt alles Vergangene in den Schatten. Die Weine sind trockener, die Frucht reduzierter […], dafür haben sie an Rückgrat, Griff, Tiefe, Komplexität und Struktur noch einmal hinzugewonnen und das eher bei niedrigem Alkohol […]“
✭✭✭✭✭ „Das Weingut Wittmann zählt zweifelsfrei zur deutschen Spitze und hat die Region rund um Westhofen, den Wonnegau, wieder auf die internationale Weinkarte gebracht. Der Fokus liegt auf Riesling, daneben werden auch Burgundersorten und Silvaner kultiviert. […] Ein Merkmal der Kollektion ist Jahr für Jahr die beständige Qualität von der Basis bis zur Spitze.“
“Wine Spectator […] has announced 2019 Westhofener Riesling has been named the #25 wine in this year’s list of the Top 100 Wines. […] Through blind tastings […] 100 bottles were chosen from over 12,500 wines. […] showcasting the best wine from the past year, wineries worth watching in the future, and the producers and wines that Wine Spectator’s editors are most enthusiastic about.”
✭✭✭✭✭ „Das bestechend hohe Niveau der Gutsweine kann man nicht genug loben, auch im Jahrgang 2020 ist das wieder so. […] Ganz hohes Niveau zeigen auch 2020 wieder die Großen Gewächse. Die Aulerde ist konzentriert, herrlich eindringlich und reintönig, besitzt Fülle, Kraft und Komplexität. Das Kirchspiel […] ist im Mund recht verschlossen, kompakt, druckvoll, sehr jugendlich. Auch der Morstein […] besitzt Fülle, Kraft, Substanz, viel Druck und Länge. Faszinierend reintönig ist auch das Brunnenhäuschen, enorm stoffig, druckvoll, mineralisch und nachhaltig. Große Weine!“
✭✭✭✭✭ „Philipp Wittmann kann’s einfach. […] Wittmanns Stilsicherheit im Umgang mit Spontangärung und Holzfass, die rasierklingenscharfe Präzision seiner Weine und ihre mineralisch fokussierte Dichte – all das sind die Kennzeichen eines Weinguts, dem die Grenzen Rheinhessens längst zu klein geworden sind. Auch die deutschen Landesgrenzen zwicken schon: Das hat Weltklasse.“
✭✭✭✭✭ „[…] Philipp Wittmann, der im Jahr 2020 erneut absolut perfektes Traubenmaterial zur Verfügung hatte. Und das zum dritten Mal in Folge. […] Aber Vorsicht: Die heutigen Erfolge fallen den Winzern keineswegs so einfach in den Schoß, sie sind hart erarbeitet. […] eine aufwändige Arbeit in den Weinbergen ist heute der entscheidende Schlüssel zum Erfolg. […] Der Schwerpunkt des Guts und Ziel der Vinifikation ist ganz auf Feinheit, Filigranität und Finesse ausgerichtet. […]“
„Ein Chardonnay vom Riesling-Magier? Viele werden sich fragen, was sich Philipp Wittmann dabei gedacht hat. Probieren, empfehle ich. Der Wein ist nicht ganz so leichtfüßig wie sein Kirchspiel-Riesling. Obwohl er auf demselben Kalksteinriff gewachsen ist. Der 2019er […], zeigt Salzteig- und Popcorn-Aromen und ist noch cremiger als Wittmanns Rieslinge. Erst der vierte Jahrgang – und schon einer der spektakulärsten Weine der Klimawandel-Generation.“
Wir freuen uns sehr über 92 Punkte und den 3. Platz für unseren 2019 GUNDERSHEIMER Spätburgunder trocken VDP.Aus Ersten Lagen.
„Das Weingut Wittmann hat etwas geschafft, was den wenigsten gelingt: Es gilt heute als moderner Klassiker. […] schon rund 15 Generationen der Familie Wittmann arbeiteten. Allerdings waren es die letzten beiden […] die das Gut zu seiner heutigen Bedeutung führten. […] Sie gehörte nie zu den Lautsprechern im Land, ruhig und bescheiden ist sie ihren Weg gegangen. Auch die Weine sind so: nie laut, in sich ruhend, voller Kraft und Energie, aber stets sublim. […] eines der besten deutschen Weingüter und zwar vom kleinsten Wein an. Klarheit, Filigranität und Präzision prägen den Stil – sowie ein unfassbares Reifepotential. […]“
“Wittmann’s Brunnenhäuschen GG is clear, pure and elegant on the coolisg nose that reveals ripe, fesh and slightly citric fruit with chalky notes. Skilly, filigreed and frisky yet also dense and intense and salty on the palate, this is a sustainable, super expressive terroir wine with a tight structure and presistent salinity […]”
“The to-be-auctioned Riesling trocken 2020 “La Borne” Alte Reben (Versteigerungswein) comes from a parcel above the Morstein. The wine opens very clear and delicately spicy on the pure and stony nose that combines mineral freshness with deep, elegant and juicy fruit. Puristic, grippy and very salty on the palate, this is a refined, elegant […] Riesling that was aged in a 600 liter oak barrel[…]”
“Wittmanns iconic 2020 Morstein GG is deep, intense and flinty on the stony and iodine nose. Round and dense on the palate, this is a juicy but also massive and powerful Morstein […], asking for all our patience. […]”
“The 2020 Kirchspiel GG opens very clear, bright and chalky on the spicy, Chablis. Like nose that indicates a lovely complex Riesling from limestone rocks. Juicy, round and intense on the palate, this is a mouthful of wine with fine tannins and a generous nature. The finish is salty and vital, very long and complex and indicates great aging potential. […]”
“Wittmann’s 2020 Aulerde GG proves again that this deep vineyard can have grand cru level in certain vintages, namely the dry and sunny ones. This one opens deep, clear and elegant, with a dusty chalky/clay bouquet intertwined with fine and critic spiciness. Juicy, spice and piquant on the palate, with fine phenolic grip and a firm and salty, long and elegant finish, this is a terrific, expressive Aulerde and another highlight from this Westhofen terroir […]”
„Wittmann aus Westhofen hat eine bestechende Kollektion vorgelegt […]. Alle vier GG sind weder überladen noch fett, sondern sehnig mit wenig Frucht, viel Hefe-Reduktion und feinster Textur. Sie zeichnet alle Wittmann-Weine aus und macht, dass man sie […] in diesem (viel zu jungen) Stadium schon genießen kann. Wer allerdings aus langjähriger Trinkerfahrung weiß, wie diese Weine nach 10 oder 15 Jahren schmecken, dem fällt es leicht, sich diesbezüglich zu bremsen. Wittmanns exklusivster Wein, der 2020er „La Borne“ von den alten Reben aus den beiden obersten Terrassen vom „Morstein“ ist spektakulär (97). Die Maischestandzeit wurde verkürzt, um den Wein filigran zu halten.“
„Philipp Wittmann gelang 2020 eine der herausragenden Riesling-Kollektionen Deutschlands“
„[…] Wittmanns Kollektion, sie sprüht vor Lebensfreude und Energie, selbst die verkosteten 1.Lage-Weine haben Tiefe und dennoch was ganz Unbeschwertes, wenn auch mit jahrgangstypisch sanfter Säure.“
“An Wittmann freilich kommt kaum jemand vorbei, was auch den überzeugenden Einstiegsrieslingen geschuldet ist – oder dem Grossen Gewächs aus der Lage Westhofener Brunnenhäuschen, was 2019 ebenso spannend wirkt wie jenes aus dem Morstein. Wer sich mit den Rheinweinen Wittmanns beschäftigt, sollte übrigens nicht vergessen, auch jene von der Mosel zu verkosten. Philipp Wittmanns Frau Eva keltert im Familienbetrieb Ansgar Clüsserath in Trittenheim erstklassige […] Rieslinge – trocken wie süss.”
„PAARWEISE […] wenn damit zwei Weingüter in unterschiedlichen Anbaugebieten verbunden sind. […]
„Fern-Familie“ […] „ist Traubenlese-Alltag im Leben von Philipp Wittmann und Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann […] stehen für zwei Spitzenweingüter […] seins in Rheinhessen und ihres, an der Mosel. […] Es ist die herausforderndste Phase für die Familie. […] sowohl das Weingut Wittmann als auch das Weingut Clüsserath sind stark herkunftsorientiert […] Wittmanns Kalkböden erbringen sowohl vibrierende Rieslinge als auch geschmeidige Burgunder. Sie spielt an der Mosel […] die gesamte Klaviatur der Restsüßequalitäten. […] natürlich sprechen sie täglich über die Herausforderungen in den jeweiligen Betrieben und fragen sich jeweils um Rat.“
„PAARWEISE […] wenn damit zwei Weingüter in unterschiedlichen Anbaugebieten verbunden sind. […]
„Fern-Familie“ […] „ist Traubenlese-Alltag im Leben von Philipp Wittmann und Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann […] stehen für zwei Spitzenweingüter […] seins in Rheinhessen und ihres, an der Mosel. […] Es ist die herausforderndste Phase für die Familie. […] sowohl das Weingut Wittmann als auch das Weingut Clüsserath sind stark herkunftsorientiert […] Wittmanns Kalkböden erbringen sowohl vibrierende Rieslinge als auch geschmeidige Burgunder. Sie spielt an der Mosel […] die gesamte Klaviatur der Restsüßequalitäten. […] natürlich sprechen sie täglich über die Herausforderungen in den jeweiligen Betrieben und fragen sich jeweils um Rat.“
✭✭✭✭✭ „Das Weingut Wittmann spielt seit Jahren in der Champions Leauge der deutschen Weinszene. […] eine stilbildende Spitzenleistung, die eine ganze Branche mitprägt. Der diesjährige Jahrgang ist zudem der 25. Biozertifizierte Jahrgang des Winzers [...]."
✭✭✭✭✭ „[…] die Erfahrung von 15 Generationen liegt in allem, was die Familie tut. In der durchweg starken Kollektion, […] überragen die Rieslinge alles andere. Bereits die Ortsweine „aus Ersten Lagen“ (1G) besitzen extrem viel Substanz und Charakter, und so geht es weiter bis zum meisterlichen Großen Gewächs Morstein, das einer der besten deutschen Rieslinge des Jahrgangs ist."
“Let go of the narrow human world and fall into this expansive dry riesling that busts out of the conventional framework for the grape variety. And that's what makes it so difficult to describe. However, there is certainly more yellow fruit (mirabelle, but also a hint of pineapple) than white (some ripe pear) and the minerality is huge, yet totally precise and delicate. The finish really doesn't want to stop! From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.
“Floral with a pronounced, licorice note. Great structure that might be a bit too much for some at this stage. However, we are delighted by it and suggest you will also enjoy the stunningly chalky finish. Great potential. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Better from 2021.“
“Still very youthful with enormous freshness, but so much chalky depth behind it. Wonderful, lemon-balm freshness! Extremely long, complex and cool finish that demands your full attention. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.”
“Powerful yet filigree with great, peach character, a ton of herbal aromas and delicate, yeasty notes. Impressive concentration and great minerality, the finish very long. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.“
“Deep, dark and full of mystery, but with wonderfully ripe mirabelle fruit. What energy and earthy depth at the very long finish. Clearly the best vintage of this wine so far! From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.“
"A fascinating and complex wine with a ton of stone fruit, but also mint and other fresh-herb notes, serious concentration and structure. Long, clean, chalky finish. A cuvee of wines from the Morstein and Brunnenhäuschen GG sites. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.”
“What an energetic and mineral nose! So sleek and straight, but with plenty of power behind it, then a ton of wild-berry and herb notes at the finish. A cuvee of wines from the GG sites, Orbel and Oelberg. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.“
“Vibrant, quince nose, then a palate that combines the cool and crisp side of Rheinhessen with the ripe and mellow characteristics. Long, sleek finish with a cool, wet-earth note. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.“
“What a beauty for this category! Wonderful, mirabelle nose, then a concentrated and beautifully proportioned palate with lively, citrusy acidity keeping everything bright. Super finish! From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.“
“With its nose of summer meadow, candied citrus, garden peas and a hint of fresh nuts, this is a sophisticated wine for a basic dry pinot blanc. Wonderful ripeness, without a sense of weight, thanks to the very lively acidity, nicely supported by a touch of tannin at the long, elegant finish. Drink now.“
✭✭✭✭✭ „[…] die Erfahrung von 15 Generationen liegt in allem, was die Familie tut. In der durchweg starken Kollektion, […] überragen die Rieslinge alles andere. Bereits die Ortsweine „aus Ersten Lagen“ (1G) besitzen extrem viel Substanz und Charakter, und so geht es weiter bis zum meisterlichen Großen Gewächs Morstein, das einer der besten deutschen Rieslinge des Jahrgangs ist."
✭✭✭✭✭ „Doch nun zum Jahrgang 2019. Der ist im Wonnegau eine ganz große Nummer – und im Hause Wittmann erst recht. Natürlich sind die Großen Gewächse wieder das Maß aller Dinge – doch davor gibt es ja noch die Ortsweine, und die haben in 2019 eine spektakuläre Qualität. Der Niersteiner Riesling setzt schon hohe Standards, ebenso der Gundersheimer mit viel Spiel und Gelbfrucht, doch der Westhofener Riesling spielft fast in einer eigenen Liga mit seiner Finesse und seiner großen Energie. Und dann die Großen Gewächse, eine beeindruckende Serie. Die Aulerde cremig, das Kirchspiel ausgesprochen rassig, das Brunnenhäuschen voller Energie […] – doch alle werden übertroffen vom Morstein mit seiner seidigen Textur und völligen Entspanntheit.“
“[…] The wines are fresh and vital, enormously stringent and reflect their respective terroirs in an exemplary manner.”“[…]Wittmann is a reliable and great producer who hasn't disappointed me in 20 years. Try the impressive estate Riesling or the exceptional Westhofener, and you'll know the road you have to travel: up into the sky. ”
„[…] beautifully pure, bright and refined on the lime and lemon-scented nose with a coolish and leafy tone. Fascinating! […] It's chalky Riesling at its very best!”
„[…] and chalky on the intense, deep, elegant and refined lemon-scented nose. Lush and precise on the palate, this is a refined, enormously energetic and silky-textured dry. […] Morstein fans shouldn't miss the 2019!”
„[…], more dusty than fruity and is as rich and intense as it is pure, limey and stony. Complex, tight and tensioned as well as fresh and vital, with lots off lemon flavors, this is a long-distance runner with remarkable finesse and tension and stimulating salinity. […].”
„[…] pure, fresh and spicy as well as coolish on the still yeasty but substantial and complex nose. Lush yet precise and refined on the elegant palate, this is a highly tensioned, grippy and chalky dry Riesling with great finesse, sustainable grip, intensity and stimulating salinity.
„[…] enormously chalky and flinty on the rich and spicy yet pure, refreshing, deep and fruity nose. Silky textured, fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a complex, structured, very elegant and juicy but linear and persistently mineral dry Riesling with remarkable purity and tension.”
„[…]distinguished bouquet with remarkable depth and complexity. Intensely juicy and fresh on the palate, this is a pure, citrus-flavored, silky-textured and mouth-filling premier cru […]. This is an extraordinary Riesling, and it tastes as if Philipp Wittmann really feels at home here. Fabulous!”
„[…] pretty open and absolutely sexy now on the nose and pairs the purity of calcareous soils with the attractive fruit of deep calcareous soils. Very elegant on the palate, this is a pure, deep and succulent yet finessed dry Riesling with fine tannins and lingering salinity. […].”
„[…]pure yet intensely aromatic on the almost chalky nose (although this is from a Rotliegend terroir). Round and silky on the palate, this is a fine and pure yet charmingly elegant and aromatic dry Riesling with delicate acidity and a long, fresh and elegant finish. […].”
“[…] intensely juicy and flinty on the pure and chalky nose. Full-bodied, pure, fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a juicy yet pure, refined, stimulatingly salty and balanced Riesling with a lot of chalky expression.”
“From the Höllenbrand vineyard in Gundersheim, Wittmann's 2018 Spätburgunder Reserve opens with remarkably fine, deep and juicy aromas of cherry and ripe black berry intertwined with with toasty and even some (attractive) Port notes. On the palate, this is an intense, full-bodied, well-concentrated and juicy, fresh and firmly structured red with a long, intense, tightly woven and even salty finish. The tannins are ripe, fine and well integrated into this charmingly intense and concentrated wine. Excellent and very promising.”
✭✭✭✭✭ „Tolle Ortsweine! Und noch faszinierender sind die Großen Gewächse. Der Wein aus der Aulerde trumpft 2019 groß auf, zeigt viel Konzentration, […] ist kraftvoll und präzise […]. Das Kirchspiel zeigt rauchige Noten, […] besitzt viel […] Substanz und Länge. Das Brunnenhäuschen zeigt gute Konzentration, rauchige Noten, ist klar, zupackend, strukturiert, besitzt Präzision und Frische – und hat Potenzial. Was auch für den Morstein gilt […], sehr präsent und intensiv, […] im Mund dann extrem fordernd ist, kraftvoll, jugendlich, zupackend, noch Zeit braucht.“
„Zu gut erinnere ich mich an lange gepflegte Vorurteile, dass das Land der tausen Hügel kein wirklich gut geeignetes Terroir für Riesling sei. Was natürlich Quatsch ist. Aber Terroir allein macht nicht automatisch einen großen Wein. Rheinhessen ist der beste Beweis dafür, dass sich auch im Spitzenwein Motivation und der Wille zu Bestleistung auszahlt. [...] Wittmann setzt mit dem besten Morstein seit langem ein Ausrufezeichen.“
„[…] Kalkstein hat sich fast schon zu einem Synonym für Präzision, Klarheit und Finesse beim Wein entwickelt. Und das spiegelt der Weißburgunder wieder in seiner frischen, betonten Apfelfrucht, […]. Dazu kommt ein duftiger Hauch Apfelblüten. […] Sanft und abgeklärt wirkt der Wein, die lebendige Säure ausbalanciert mit einem Hauch Süße. Ein Wein zum Gernhaben.“
"[..] Richtig groß sind im Süden (fast) nur die Weine von kalkreichen Lagen mit guter Wasserspeicherkapazität." [..] So ist es sicher kein Zufall, dass mit Philipp Wittmann einem Winzer die beste Riesling-Kollektion gelang, der in Sachen kalkreichen Spitzenlagen aus den Vollen schöpfen kann."
"[..] Da einige weine etwas karger und vielleicht auch trockener ausgebaut waren, rückt die Säure sensorisch vielleicht etwas stärker in den Vordergrund. Wer diesen Balanceakt von allen deutschen winzern am besten beherrschte, ist Philipp Wittmann. Die feinste und spannungsreichste Aulerde aller Zeiten, ein brilliantes Brunnenhäuschen und mit dem Morstein einer der drei besten rielsing des Jahres. In Zahlen: Zweimal 96, einmal 97 Punkte. Hut ab."
"[…] Westhofen und Wittmann, das hat Tradition. Der Weinbau ist mit 350 Jahrgängen tief verwurzelt." "Vollblut-Bio-Winzer und Vorreiter einer ganzen Generation: Vor 40 Jahren stellten Elisabeth und Günther Wittmann den gesamten Betrieb auf biologische Arbeitsweise um. Damit waren sie Vino-Visionäre." „[…]Ausgeglichenheit und Gelassenheit im Zeichen der Zeit: Was vital und balanciert wächst, muss auch im Keller mit Zeit und Ruhe zu sich selbst finden – so das Credo von Philipp Wittmann."
„[…] Wildkirsche, etwas Neuholz, würzige Andeutungen. […], gut in der Proportion, mit einer cremigen Grundierung unter feinem Tanninkorz, mit merklicher Vorsicht extrahiert, viel Saftigkeit, reife Säure, gut abgerundeter Holzeinsatz.“
“[…] 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.”
FFFFF „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.”
5 Trauben„ […] 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.“
✭✭✭✭✭ „Das Niveau der Gutsweine ist auch im Jahrgang 2018 wieder bestechend hoch. […]
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.“
„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.“
„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.“
„Schon im Duft kündigt sich ein expressiver finessenreicher Wein mit kandierten Zitrusfrüchten, Ingwerabrieb und kalkstein-mineralischen Noten an, […] funkelt hellstrahlig. […] sehr zupackend, finessenreich und mit ernorm viel Drive und Energie, dabei aber von einer merklichen Extraktsüße abgepuffert, die auf dem langen Weg der Reife stützen wird, […] liegen lassen und abwarten.“
„Beeindruckend tiefes, hellstrahliges und «kalkiges» Bouquet mit nahezu «pudriger» Mineralität, geniale Liason aus Zitrusfrüchten, Blütenstaub und weissen Früchten. Sehr tief und geheimnisvolll, hat was Funkelndes von einem Bergkristall. […] seidige Textur, kristallklar, mit viel Zug und Drive, guter Tiefe und Prägnanz, pure Energie und sehr langanhaltend. […]“
„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.“
„Herrliches, klares Bouquet mit kühlen und feinen Zirtusnoten, Limonenschale, Grapefruit und Zitrusabrieb. […] puristisch und schlank, kein Fett, […] dafür druckvoll und energetisch, im feinen Schmelz finden sich aparte Noten von Zitruscreme.“
„ Sehr klarer und mineralisch geprägter […] geht […] schlank und zupackend zu, viele Zitrusfrüchte, aber auch kalkig-mineralische Noten, hat Zug ohne Ende. […] zeigt […] schon viel mineralische Würze und Drive und ist i.d.R. etwas früher zugänglich.“
“Starts off linear, but expands. A suave texture coats the palate, revealing notes of passion fruit, apricot blossom, with a lemongrass hint in the background. […]”
“Lean and tightly wound, featuring intense minerally and savory notes up front. This firmly structured version will need time to relax and allow its elements to shine. […]”
“The glossy texture of this wine is complemented by notes. […]”
“Focused and crisp, with notes of singed orange peel and subtle pine accenting the nectarine and Asian pear flavors. White pepper and cardamom hints emerge midpalate and linger on the finish. […]”
“The ripe version exhibits guava, peach and mango aromas and flavors, with an underlying spiciness. Balanced, yet exhibits electric acidity. […]”
“Pretty lithe and exotic, featuring lemonlime, tangerine and passion fruit notes. Vibrant showing beautiful harmony and a supple texture. Tightens up on the finish, revealing ntense acidity. […]
“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.“
“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“
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.“
“[…] Wittmann is strapping in 2018 and 2017 and produced some world-class dry Rieslings again in both vintages.” “[…] Regarding the Riesling Grosses Gewächs Morstein and La Borne as well as Brunnenhäuschen, they are world-class wines in 2017 and 2018. They combine power and concentration with tension and mineral freshness. The 2017s are perhaps even more dense, but the purity and shining chalky character of the 2018s is thoroughly amazing. In 10 years, the particular vintage characters should come out significantly more clearly.”
“The 2018 Morstein is a deep, inense, enormously complex and salty Riesling with great intensity, refined richness and a long intense, well-structured finish. This is a great German Riesling.”
“The 2018 Brunnenhäuschen Riesling GG is pure and intense on the flinty, refined and elegant nose. On the palate, this is a rich and salty-piquant, fresh and fine Riesling with finesse, fine tannins (like clayey slate plates), juicy and intense stone fruit and a long, intense powerful finish. Great wine.”
“From the upper Morstein, the 2018 Riesling alte Reben La borne opens with a pure, deep and intense, very complex yet highly refined bouquet of ripe and concentrated Riesling berries intermixed with notes of crushed stones. On the palate, this is a rich and intense, concentrated and complex, firmly structured and textured Riesling.”
“The 2018 Riesling trocken is super clear, intense and elegant on the nose. On the palate, this is a stunning, very intense, highly finessed and sooty dry Riesling with fine tannins. This spectacular dry Riesling is their estate wine, and it will be hard to find any better Riesling at this price point. Very salty, pure and stimulating on the finish.”
“The 2018 Spätburgunder Rotwein trocken ofers a perfectly ripe, fresh and elegant bouquet of darf cherries, dark berries, wild strawberries and very fine toast aromas. It´s wonderfully reductive and precise. On the palate, this is a medium full-bodied, fresh and refined Pinot with a silky texture and perfectly ripe and juicy fruit intensity that is structured by fine acidity and delicate, silky tannins. Very elegant and lovely to drink.”
“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.“