J.B. BeckerRiesling Walkenberg Spätlese Dry 2021 (750ml)

Both of the dry Spätlesen – the “Spätlese Trocken” – are monuments to Becker and to his style. Not since the 2015 vintage have I had these wines with such depth and force and structure. To be fair, 2015 was a riper vintage and so the wines tend to have more fruit. I’ve tasted the 2021 three times – twice in cask and once in bottle – and every time the wine is stark and essential. A deep, earthy citrus glow, yet really more primordial and mineral. It is just structure and depth, but uncommonly pure. This is a great wine and it has the bones to go a very long time. Decant now, or let’s talk in ten years.

With 2020 the Spätlese Trocken has just 3g ofRS, 12.5% alcohol and a sharp 7.8g of acid.