Weingut Ratzenberger Bacharacher Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2007

wa90

BN#287861

Weingut Ratzenberger

Bacharach lays in the heart of the wine cultivation area of the Middle-Rhine. For thousands of years, the Rhine River, along with its side tributaries, has carved out its rich, deep, valleys. For the last three generations, our family has been producing high quality wines out of vineyards that are situated in the choicest of locations. We focus special attention on the Riesling grape, which has a long traditional history here in the Middle-Rhine area. With low acreage yields and an environmentally true method of grape growing, we are able to create the foundation for wines of the absolute highest quality. With modern up-to-date vinting methods, we achieve a high grape quality and produce the fine fruity-tasting Riesling, capable of long cellar life.

Wine Advocate

The 2007 Bacharacher Riesling Kabinett trocken – incorporating fruit from Wolfshohle, and a bit from Kloster Furstental – tastes, as usual, like more than a twenty dollar per bottle generic Riesling. In fact, along with Gunderloch’s, I would rate this – did rate it, in the newly-released Parker’s Wine Bargains – the consistently best German Riesling trocken under $25. Lemon oil, peach, and toasted pumpkin seed on the nose lead to a palate that in the best possible 2007 manner combines stuffing with elegance and brightness. “I would actually have liked the alcohol a little lower,” says Ratzenberger – a complaint I seldom heard this vintage – but here the nearly 12.5% doesn’t in any way preclude a wine than dances on the palate and refreshes. Hints of cherry pit, wet stone, and toasted pumpkin seed extend the finish. Enjoy this over the next 5-6 years.

Score: 90. —David Schildknecht, October 2009.