2018 Strub Niersteiner Hipping Thal Riesling Feinherb

“This particular [southeast-facing] site isn’t just relatively water-retentive” for one located on Nierstein’s Roter Hang, explained Sebastian Strub. “It’s also cooler, so we can harvest it later.” The combination has helped him once again deliciously defy expectations of vintage 2018. Speaking of combinations, though, this year’s “Thal” incorporates the wine that would have been the Strubs’ 2018 Hipping Flächenhahl – the product of a ferment that galloped to total completion and left them dissatisfied. White peach, honeydew melon and orange are laced with Thai basil and sassafras in an effusively aromatic and succulent, cooling palate display. The feel is subtly glossy, reinforcing the wine’s lusciousness. A lacing of fresh lime conveys brightness and zest that bursts forth on a buoyant, vibrant and refreshing finish.