2021 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Grosses Gewachs Trocken

No slate but reddish volcanic porphyry. Half the wine was raised in barrel while the other half was in tank and then they were swapped, for 10 months in total. Very high acidity and not much nose, lightly steely, at the moment but lots of energetic lemon juice on the palate. Not nearly ready. Fruit dominates rather than the minerals of Assyrtiko. (JR)

Aromatic wonder of fruit, herbs, stone and a brisk mountain breeze. Lithe and pure with a bit of refreshing juice on the stony-boned palate – but mind you, just a little. Long, nuanced and cooling spice on the finish. (PS)

Aged on the full lees until June this year and to be bottled the day after I tasted it, the 2021 Hermannshöhle GG offers a clear, deep, intense and complex bouquet of iodine slate aromas intertwined with lemon oil notes and those of crushed stones. Darker toned and more remote or aristocratic yet also intense and concentrated, it has a sur lie character and concentrated fruit. Full-bodied, dense, yet crystalline and saline on the palate, this is a powerful, rich and persistent Hermannshöhle with a long, complex and aromatic finish with fine tannins and stimulating lemon bitters. Still with rougher grip, this is an intense and lush, still dismissive Hermannshöhle. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in July 2022.