What do you think of mature wines? For me, matured Rieslings, in particular, are something special. I find it fascinating to taste these wines in their different phases. It begins when great Rieslings have left their first fruit stage phase behind and, after the first closing phase, show step by step more of the terroir that characterises them.
Things get interesting after 20 years and more when it is not just about great wines but about great bottles. When complexity, perfect storage and the right company come together. This was the case with my – unfortunately last – bottle of this 1964 Langwerth von Simmern Hattenheimer Nußbrunnen.
Even with almost 60 years in the bottle, this Rheingau Riesling performed great. Dark gold changes to amber, delicate tertiary notes of petrol, polish, lemon peel, dried apricot, hay and honey on the nose. Fresh on the palate, orange peel, earth, wax, quince jelly and again polish. Medium-long salty finish.
