98pts James Suckling

What an exquisite stone fruit nose this super-fine and filigree dry riesling has! Yes, it is also very concentrated, but this and the power are completely underplayed. The result is an almost weightless palate that hangs like a white cloud in the still air. Extraordinary purity and precision at the almost endless finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

96pts Vinous

The 2022 Riesling Norheimer Dellchen Grosses Gewächs unites volcanic and shale soils. The site benefits from underground aquifers. The nose opens with a smoky slate note leading to the lemon- and lime-edged ripe stone fruit. The entire impression is one of yellow-fruited, ripe juiciness. This verges more and more into a yellow spectrum of citrus, perfumed and almost tender. The palate keeps this juicy fruit and dips it into tingling saltiness. Generosity, ripeness, saltiness and textural elements of pear peel and citrus zest unite into a very energetic, driven, almost urgent wine. The finish on the tongue is linear, but the aromas expand and take flight. (Bone-dry) (NM)

Tasting Notes

Rich intense spices interwoven with a lithe and lively grace, atop a foundation of stunning depth and charisma.

Site Notes

Steep cliffs of extrusive igneous rock (porphyry and melaphyre) rise directly from the banks of the River Nahe between Norheim and Niederhausen. Between those cliffs are small hollows, known in the local dialect as “Dellchen”. The slate soils here are mixed with the stony precipitate sedimentary rock of the adjacent volcanic cliffs. The extremely steep, perfectly south-facing slope is terraced by dry stone walls that demand a rigorous level of labor-intensive care. Protected by the surrounding cliffs, the Riesling grapes enjoy an extremely long hang time and year for year achieve perfect levels of ripeness.

About the Winery

The Dönnhoff family has a rich history in the Nahe region, having established a traditional farm in Oberhäusen 250 years ago. Helmut Dönnhoff took over the estate in 1966, shifting focus from mixed farming to quality wine production. Under his leadership, the estate grew from four hectares to 25, maintaining a commitment to excellence and craftsmanship. Helmut's son, Cornelius, joined in 2007, continuing the family philosophy of balance and quality. 

To preserve laser-like focus and clarity in the wines, the grapes are pressed as soon as possible – within 3 hours of picking. Wines are fermented in traditional German casks (1200 L stuck and 2400 L doppelstuck) as well as stainless steel with spontaneous fermentations.

Donnhoff’s cellar is unique in its capacity to hold all of its production entirely in stainless steel or in cask, allowing for the ideal élevage for any wine at any point during a vintage.

Although the Nahe is a dry region, Dönnhoff does not water their vineyards as to encourage deep rooted vines. The soil is covered with organic material like straw and compost to preserve water and to avoid evaporation and erosion in heavy rains.

The vines are all grown on wireframes, low to the ground to benefit from the warmth of the stoney topsoil, and at a density of approx. 6000 vines per hectare. The Riesling vines are old clones sourced from the sites in Niederhausen and Schloßböckelheim.

Grapes are always picked by hand at Dönnhoff over two to three passes through each vineyard.

Sustainable