2018 Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Trocken

A “sunny,” Himmelreich-typical nose and palate feature grapefruit and lemon tinged with smoky black tea and underlain by wet stone. There is an impressive combination here of midpalate density with alcoholic levity (at 11.5%). The finish lingers with a delightful sense of clarity and animation such as can by no means be taken for granted in 2018. A slightly resinous herbal note, along with piquancy of citrus seed, serves for invigorating counterpoint.