Weingut Hermann Ludes, “Thörnicher Ritsch” Riesling Spätlese

I really enjoy the “Indiana Jones” part of my job, where I get to explore dusty caves in search of long-buried artifacts. Today’s wine is part of the booty from a recent trip to Germany, and it’s an especially exciting one when you do a little sleuthing: Both the producer and vineyard site are cause for intrigue. In the late 1800s and through the Second World War, the “Ritsch” vineyard in the village of Thörnich was among the most celebrated sites in the Mosel Valley.If you wanted the best Riesling had to offer, this prized, hair-raisingly steep vineyard was undoubtedly part of the discussion, and then...it was all but forgotten. Just imagine: One moment, you’re standing amongst Germany’s most sought-after vines, and the next “it’s just another vineyard.” Enter today’s undercover producer, Hermann Ludes, who never forgot its importance. Over many demanding years, he acquired these ancient vines bit by bit and began crafting intense, beautifully composed Rieslings with limitless aging p