97pts Vinous

The 2024 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese contains almost no botrytized fruit. Only the slightest note of zesty lemon breaks through on the shy nose. More air reveals a hint of mint sorbet. The palate, however, adds an intriguing sweetness that is so akin to the wonderfully zesty notions of green tangerine peel. The next wave of flavor pushes into greengage and juicy white peach notes, always tempered by vivid citrus. The 2024 has gorgeous linearity and such a tingling, sherbet-like insistence. It is simply wonderful and so utterly balanced. (Sweet)(AK)

In spite of the generous ripeness, the dominant aromas and flavors are Amalfi lemons, yellow grapefruit and pomelo with some fresh herbal notes. Very bright and racy, the finish much drier than you might expect for this frankly sweet category. Long, energetic, herbal finish with fascinating grapefruit bitterness and salty minerality. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

Winemaker Notes

Graacher Himmelreich directly borders the southern edge of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard. The wines from this site often rival the quality of those from its more famous neighbor, especially in hot, dry years. Graacher wines attract with their racy acidity, a pronounced minerality (that reminds of crushed rock) and slightly different fruit aromas and flavors (more citrus). Often, the wines become accessible slightly earlier than the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and are deliciously mouth-watering when young. The vineyard has a south-west exposure and it is a little less steep with deeper soils that act as excellent water reservoirs.