Schafer Frohlich 'Schiefergestein' Bockenauer Riesling Trocken 2023 - 750ml

95pts James Suckling

This brilliant Nahe dry riesling is like the essence of slate. All the shades of citrus plus flint and ripe goosberries. Amazing vibrancy and dynamism, the underlying ripeness easily balancing the strident acidity that drives the extremely long and focused finish. From 20- to 30-year-old vines in the Felseneck GG site. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

94pts Vinous

The 2023 Riesling Schiefergestein is from the younger vines in the Bockenauer Felseneck (up to 35 years old). Smoke on the nose blends with yarrow and lemon peel. The palate has a seamless fluidity, brimming with bright acid and still smoky with yeast, streamlined and tingling with freshness. It presents wonderful dimension on a slender, most elegant footprint. Sleek, svelte and simply yummy. (Bone-dry) Drink: 2028-2050. (Sep 2024)"

17/20 points Jancis Robinson

Cask sample. A bit broader and more approachable than the Vulkangestein with real texture and a bone-dry but not punishing finish. Drinking Window: 2024-2032.

Winemaker Notes 

Riesling sourced from the same vineyards as the GG Felseneck. 25-35 year old vines. Flinty, slate-y and spicy with refreshing herbal fruit on the nose, along with hints of apricot and peach. Very complex on the palate with a long mineral driven finish.

Winery Notes

While wine making has been in the family since the 1800's, the winery just recently developed into a rising star over the past few years, adding another estate to the elite in the Nahe region. While father Hans takes care of the vineyards, wife Karin and son Tim are the winemaking team. With a low yield policy (average yield around 50 hl/ha) and the recent acquisition of more great vineyard sites to their holdings, the winery is well on the way to challenge top estates such as Dönnhoff and Schönleber.