2018 Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Spatlese
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Spätlese is very intense, elegant and aromatic on the delicate and flinty nose. Round, sweet and lush yet also savory and with the first hints of maturity, this is an irresistible Spätlese with very fine tannins on the finish, making it an exceptional food wine. It is highly mouthwatering and never-ending, making it addictive. This is part of the Schlosskeller Reserve that the von Schubert family released last year to compensate for the dramatic losses to spring frost in 2024. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. AP 22 19. Tasted at the domaine in January 2026.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
AP number 22 19. Late release (stickered with the label 'Schatzkammer Reserve'). Notes of almonds and apricots – more obviously botrytised than the other sweet wines tasted today. Apricot and clementine on the palate. Sweet, silky and long. (JH)
An effusive nose features quince and white peach preserves laced with mint and bergamot. The palate surprised me with its relative sense of softness and hint of overripeness, though the aforementioned herbal accents serve for pleasingly cooling counterpoint. The dominantly sweet finish engenders a honeyed aura and is soothingly sustained, but fortunately offers a bit of alkaline and stony counterpoint. (As von Schubert mentioned, even some desiccated fruit found its way into Spätlese this vintage.)
This moves up a gear from the Herrenberg in terms of concentration. This offers a very intense, lime and herb nose and fresh minerals, delivering a very harmonious impression. The depth and sense of seamlessness here is incredible. This has a super pure feel with juicy and intensely ripe fruit on offer. Such length and purity. Drink over two decades.