2021 Reichsrat von Buhl, Riesling "Pechstein" Grosses Gewächs

In Europe’s hierarchy of wine greatness, Germany’s Grosses Gewächs (GG) stands shoulder to shoulder with Bordeaux’s First Growths and Burgundy’s Grand Crus. Always dry (trocken) and sourced from elite, low-yielding vineyards, GG wines are the pinnacle of precision—and Pechstein is one of the most revered. The 2021 Reichsrat von Buhl “Pechstein” GG is a seismic expression of Pfalz Riesling. From 70-year-old vines rooted in volcanic basalt, it delivers a jolt of mint, sage, lemon zest, and crushed stone. The palate is electric—cooling, sizzling, and mouth-shaking in its intensity. It’s a wine that grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Founded in 1849, Reichsrat von Buhl has long been a benchmark for terroir-driven Riesling. Since 2013, under the direction of ex-Bollinger winemaker Mathieu Kauffmann, the estate has doubled down on spontaneous fermentation, extended lees aging, and bone-dry purity. This is a collector’s Riesling with more cellar potential and culinary versatility than Grand Cru W