2016 Forster Pechstein Riesling Grosses Gewachs
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Tasting notes
High-toned scents of flowers and green herbs – wisteria, mint and pennyroyal prominent among them – practically poke you in the nose. A veritable wave of seawater on the polished palate serves for saliva-inducement, mint exercises a cooling influence, and cress, sage, black pepper and stone supply incisive, palate-staining, invigorating counterpoint. The long finish offers vibrant, juicy, mouthwatering interaction of the aforementioned elements. Any oak influence is entirely discreet, or perhaps I should say it’s completely submerged beneath this wine’s riot of grape, soil and fermentative flavors. Long-time readers of my reports will know that I am a stalwart champion of Pechstein as underappreciated vis-à-vis Jesuitengarten and Kirchenstück – so take that as a warning to factor in when interpreting my tasting note, or take this wine as delicious confirmation of my high opinion of the site where it grew.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
David Schildknecht, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One can easily get used to the perfumed expression of oak with its seductive combination of vanilla and mandarin yoghurt, although the variety becomes hard to guess, the terroir impossible. There’s no doubt about the seductive qualities of this style, and it will bring a new audience to the world of Riesling, but while many will love the opulent curves and high viscosity of the Pechstein, the purist might find it a little on the flabby side. (MS)