Hermann J. Wiemer HJW Vineyard Riesling 2020

The 2020 Riesling HJW Vineyard comes in with six grams of residual sugar and 12.5% alcohol. This was sourced from HJW vines planted in 1977. This takes the Flower Day Riesling, which is sourced from the younger 2009 vines at HJW, and adds concentration, plus a more unctuous texture while retaining a fairly crisp demeanor relative to what I'm seeing in this group of 2020s. The mouthfeel suggests depth and there are hints of complexity to come. This might be the most nuanced of Wiemer's wines in this report. Plus, some six hours later, it did a better job of pulling in its parts and showing off its structure. It began to look a bit more like the 2019 and also like one of the nicest winners for Wiemer in 2020, with an excellent chance of improving over the next several years. It will not even be released until the summer of 2022.

Coiled aromas of yuzu, limestone and white blossoms give this dry Riesling an air of pent-up energy on a nose that's waiting to explode. The medium-bodied palate delivers tense flavors of citrus peels and crushed stone matched by heady field blossoms, all while juicy apple and peach accents peak out their heads. A gentle grip of white tea, along with well-honed acidity, lend structure and length to it all.

Delicious from the start, with a burst of meringue, lemon gelée and Jonagold apple flavors backed by jasmine and honeysuckle accents through the long, pure finish. Drink now through 2032. 800 cases made. Drink Date: 2022-2036.