2016 Wehlener Klosterberg Auslese (2 Star) GK

From Molitor's "Hausberg," the 2016 Riesling Wehlener Klosterberg Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) shows a complex but still very clear and mineral bouquet with crushed slate aromas and a precise, coolish-piquant spiciness as if it was an Eiswein or from the Saar. In reality, it's sourced from the higher, south-facing vineyard adjacent to the domaine, in a side valley of the Mosel where coolish winds slow down the ripening process and keep the fruit healthy for a longer time. The ripeness here is 10 to 14 days later than along the Mosel, says Molitor, and when botrytis comes in later autumn at cooler temperatures, the fruit is ripe, beautifully aromatic and still healthy, so everything gets concentrated through the noble rot. Back to the wine, which is a highly delicate and perfectly balanced Auslese of great finesse and elegance. Due to many younger, roughly 20-year-old vines (with top genetics, though), the Klosterberg Auslese seems to not be as concentrated and complex as many other Auslesen in Molitor's incredible 2016 range, but in terms of elegance, finesse and balance it's hard to beat. The acidity is cutting through the palate, but it's a fine and mineral one that cleanses your palate that is so often pasted up with sweetness in this predicate category. Seriously, I couldn't spit the Klosterberg—it's simply too delicate! Bottled in December 2017, tasted in March 2018.