Andrew Guard

2023 Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese 'Feinherb', Hofgut Falkenstein

The 2023er Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb Palm (the reference to this internal cask name is provided in small print on the 
label after the AP number) comes from different small parcels on the western side of the vineyard and was fermented down to off-dry levels of 
residual sugar. This wine offers a stunning and not overly loud nose made of mirabelle, citrusy fruits, smoke, herbs, and a hint of bergamot. It is 
beautifully subtle and finely chiseled on the palate, where the ripe zesty side is beautifully wrapped into creamy elements. The finish is superbly 
focused and dry-tasting more than off-dry. What a beauty! 2033-2048


Erich Weber of Hofgut Falkenstein makes ultra-traditional, mostly dry-tasting Saar Rieslings. He likes to call himself “Winzer Weber.” Winzer is German for winegrower. In other words, the emphasis is on the work in his vineyards. With his tan and rugged face, he looks the part, too.

Erich ferments exclusively with wild yeasts in old wooden casks in a deep, cool cellar, and most of his wines end up either naturally dry (trocken) or off-dry (feinherb). Falkenstein, therefore, is one of the rare Saar producers that specializes in distinctive, bracing, light, dry Rieslings, bottled traditionally by the cask.

Falkenstein makes light-bodied, tangy, wholesome, dry-tasting Saar Rieslings, as well as residually sweet Spätlesen and Auslesen. These are old-style wines for drinking, which often retain a lively (spritzig), natural efferverscence from fermentation. In other words, they go down well — Trinkfluss in German. © 2014 Lars Carlberg