Dr. H. Thanisch, “Graacher Himmelreich” GG Riesling

Not only is 2018 one of the finest vintages this century in the Mosel, but it is also Thanisch's first release under the new GG (Great Growth) of the elite Bernkasteler Ring association. Like Grosses Gewächs—but technically not the same!—it has high benchmarks for quality: It must be dry with at least Spätlese-levels of ripeness; it must pass a blind tasting conducted by a panel of winemakers; and it cannot be released until September 1st of the following year after harvest. The roots of the old vines in the Himmelreich Kingdom of Heaven vineyard go deep down into slate to find moisture. The steep vineyard above the village of Graach is located on the world's largest single stretch of Riesling, between Bernkastel - Graach - Wehlen - Zeltingen in the Mosel valley. Before climate change arrived in the Mosel, it was near-impossible to produce such a GG quality which requires fully ripened and healthy grapes that could be fermented fully dry.  This 2018 shows incredible layers despite its