“Barrel X” is winemaker Florian Lauer’s Platonic ideal of what a slightly off-dry (feinherb) Saar Riesling should be. If we were in Burgundy, this would be the equivalent of a “Bourgogne Blanc.” As an appellation-level wine, it is sourced from multiple vineyards in four different villages of the Saar: Ayl (Lauer’s home village), Saarburg, Wawern and Wiltingen. Florian says, “From Ayl and Wawern, the wine gains the fruit and power, from Saarburg the racy acidity, and from Wiltingen, the spice.”
Regardless of what comes from where, this much is certain: dollar for dollar, I’m not sure there is a 750ml bottle that delivers as much joy and zing. This is the gateway drug to Lauer, to the Saar, to Riesling… be careful. Very addictive.
Simultaneously juicy, very lively and elegant. Spot-on balance and brimming with white-fruit and lemon (fruit and blossom) aromas. Very clean and straight finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
This riesling tastes barely off-dry thanks to the brilliant lemony acidity and wet stone minerality that make it hop, skip and jump over the barely medium-bodied palate. Very long, zesty finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.