1999 Merkelbach "Urziger Wurzgarten" Mosel Riesling Kabinett

A handful of times each year, we are able to offer out a wine this rare with pristine provenance. It brings us great joy that today's offer includes two nearly twenty five year old Rieslings from the Mosel from an estate that barely measures two hectares in size. I visited the Merkelbach estate in May, and it was like travelling back in time. The two brothers, Alfred and Rolf, have been making wines from their tiny patch quilt of parcels in the famous Urziger Wurzgarten vineyard for nearly seventy years. On my visit, I was lucky enough to meet Alfred Merkelbach, who is now well into his 80s. In a heart-warming Mosel story that will give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings, the brothers have now retired and sold their vineyards and label to Selbach-Oster who will keep the original label and carry on the legacy under the Merkelbach name. The below releases are direct from the winery and are vinous timepieces that demonstrate a classic expression of fuder-aged Kabinett from high density, single pole trained, ungrafted parcels in Ürziger Würzgarten and Kinheimer Rosenberg. These wines are living reminders of the past that are firmly rooted in the family's historical tradition. If you've never enjoyed aged Riesling, this is a brilliant opportunity to discover the astounding complexity of flavor and the joyous mellowing of sugars and acidities as these masterpiece wines age. - Brandon Kerne, Master Sommelier