Dorsheim Riesling "Eierfels" 2024

A lean, precise Riesling with cool finesse, a delicate 11.5% ABV and a minerality that carries the whole wine. In its youth it still seems reserved, yet already reveals depth, finesse and complexity. Decanting is well worth it.

The Eierfels comes from Dorsheim on the Nahe and brings together two Grand Cru sites from Schlossgut Diel. The Goldloch covers thirteen hectares of stony loess and lends juicy fullness, yellow stone fruit and ripe peach. The Burgberg, set within a basin of iron-rich loess, contributes salty minerality and smoky depth. Both sites were already documented as first-class back in 1901, long before the VDP classification system existed.

Pure Riesling from selective hand harvest, gently pressed using a pneumatic press. Fermentation and ageing take place on natural yeasts in multi-year oak casks from local woodlands, in the style of a Grosses Gewächs.

With air, white peach, lemon zest and a pronounced herbal spice emerge, remaining very present on the palate as well. Add to that plenty of drive, exuberant freshness, vibrant acidity and juicy density. The long finish leaves a distinctly salty trace.

Caroline Diel runs the VDP estate at Burg Layen in its seventh generation. Falstaff, Feinschmecker and the FAZ have named her Winemaker of the Year, and the estate holds five stars from Falstaff and Wein.Plus. 65 percent of the 26 hectares are planted with Riesling. The Eierfels reflects the house style: precise, mineral, without frills, with fantastic potential for development and ageing.