2022 and 2021 Saar Riesling GG Part I -- Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken, Peter Lauer, von Othegraven, Schloss Saarstein, van Volxem, Nik Weis-St. Urbans Hof

Right from the get-go, we see the unevenness and the disappointing aspects of the 2022 vintage, with several Saar producers falling short of expectations, but Schloss Saarstein coming through with a winner. And von Othegraven provides the contract of the outstanding 2021 vintage.

Forstmeister GELTZ-ZILLIKEN

2022 (Ockfen) Bockstein Riesling GG

Round, a touch soft and sappy, but still with Saar stoniness, good length. 91/A-

2022 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling GG

Somewhat soft and unfocused on palate, but there is a core of stoniness in the nose. A touch of sweetness on the finish. 88/B-

Peter LAUER

2022 (Schoden) Feils Riesling GG

Stony/meaty nose. Round, but not deep, lacks energy. A little white nectarine. 88/B-

von OTHEGRAVEN

2021 (Ockfen) Bockstein Riesling GG

Pure, precise peach, intense, long, penetrating. A perfect example of the classicism of 2021. 93+/A

Schloss SAARSTEIN

2022 (Serrig) Schloss Saarstein Riesling GG

Nutshell nose. Pure, crisp, focused, lime, good intensity and balance. 92/A

van VOLXEM

2022 (Ockfen) Bockstein Riesling GG

A hint of meatiness in the nose. Stony, round, not terribly deep. I’d drink young. 88/B-

Nik WEIS-SANKT URBANS HOF

2022 (Ockfen) Bockstein Riesling GG

Stony nose and mouth, but somewhat soft on mid-palate. 88/B-

2022 (Schoden) Feils Riesling GG

Stony, a bit soft in texture, lacking precision and energy. 87(+)/C