Dr. Loosen is one of the most popular examples of Mosel riesling.  This is partly due to the exceptional amount of exposure it has due to the large production volumes of the vineyard.  With that aside it’s important to remember that Mosel is home to two amazing things that make Riesling the grape of choice.

First, the terroir.  Being old world, this plays a massive role, and the steep, slate soil that borders the Mosel river is a massive factor in the development of wines with amazing ability to channel their environments. Second, is the fact that the grape is Riesling, which is particularly well suited to being able to change style styles from dry to sweet with phenomenal finesse and poise.  All of these factors should produce an amazing wine in 2009 Dr. L Riesling, but does it make greatness, or cascade down a slippery slope of overproduction? 

Sight:  On the lighter side of golden straw.

Smell:  Slate, rubber, and a lot of lemon.  There’s also a good amount of apricot, and a bit of peach.  There’s the slightest floral nod towards rose.

Sip:  There’s a nice pop of sweetness, that gradually fades into a bright, crisp, firm mouth feel.  There’s plenty of lemon and apricot, behind large amount of wet slate, and rubber. [A.B.V. 8.5%]

Savor:  There’s a rubbery lemon flavor that fades to minerality.  The acid keeps the palate ready for food.

Overall,  the low sugar and high acid keep 2009 Dr. L Riesling ready for anything.  This is a solid and dependable Riesling with a lot of dry characteristics for under $10.  It definitely feels terroir driven though, and those looking for the more honeyed and fruit driven new world styles will most likely want to look towards Washington’s Columbia Valley or consider a Moscato from California.

Verdict:  An old school gem
Price:  $8.49
Mosel, Germany
http://www.drloosen.com/index.php