The Breuer 2009 Riesling Terra Montosa – representing as usual a “second wine” from the collective Rudesheimer Berg crus and Rauenthaler Nonnenberg – features bright refreshing lemon, lime, grapefruit, and a tiny-berried sense of white currant concentration, with lip-smacking salinity and suggestions of wet stone accompanying juicy citricity on a polished palate and through a vibrant, buoyant finish. Tart but succulent, and like most Breuer Rieslings one that acid heads will find even more felicitous than my rating suggests, this ought to give a spirited performance for at least the next 4-6 years. Theresa Breuer underplayed the effects of drought conditions during late summer and early autumn 2009 on the performance of her familys vines in the exposed, rocky Rudesheimer Berg, and, admittedly, there are drip lines in some locations to compensate. But I can easily imagine a connection between that drought and the somewhat peaky acids and strident personalities of many wines in the present collection, and Breuer notes that the slightly lower must weights and consequently lower finished alcohol of several wines probably also reflects at least in part vine stress. (The measured levels of acidity are still lower this year than in the corresponding 2008s.) Picking began already at the end of September and lasted until October 25, under conditions Breuer described as “relatively relaxed.” Incidentally, I re-tasted the top 2008s at this address and would rate the Nonnenberg and Berg Rottland a notch up on my account in issue 187. This is an instance where 2009 is I believe highly unlikely to ever approach the outstanding quality level of its immediate predecessor. (Note: most of the dry-tasting Breuer wines are legally trocken but not labeled as such.)Imported by Classical Wines, Seattle WA 206 547 0255

A focused version, balancing lemon and apple flavors with a peppery mineral element. This is racy and tightens up on the finish, so best to give it a year or two in the cellar. Best from 2013 through 2023. 1,375 cases made.??–BS??Region: Germany / Rheingau Select to Add