2014 Westhofener Morstein Trocken Grosses Gewachs

Wet stone, moss and alkaline notes convey an austere but intriguing impression, accompanying high-toned almond extract and maraschino cherry as well as faintly nose-prickling intimations of the lime and crab apple that then tartly saturate the palate. High-toned, faintly Saar-like cherry-almond notes as well as vibrant mineral impingements persist into a penetrating finish, thereby mitigating the sense of austerity conveyed by a wine this firm in feel, palpably dense, and phenolically severe. (Tasted alongside this wine, the 2010 displayed intriguing kelp, moss and wet stone notes as well as unexpected richness, with salinity supplying saliva inducement and well-integrated lemon zest lending an invigorating quality but no severity to the finish. I’d summarize my enthusiasm with a 92-point rating, two more than I assigned this wine in its youth.)

Exotic broad spread of flavours including some tropical fruit. Very crunchy and pungent. (JR)

The 2014 Morstein GG is chalky and limey, but closer to the Kirchspiel than the Brunnenhäuschen at this early stadium. Subtle flavors of morels and porcini along with lime rind flavors lead to a dense, intense and refreshingly piquant palate. The 2014 is very pure, mineral, firmly structured and finesse-full. The finish is very persistent and displays lots of limes and chalky flavors in the extremely salty finish. Great potential.