Markus Molitor New Releases 2023

The 2023 Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese Green Capsule projects a mossy savor beneath its slightly reductive lemony funk. The palate is lithe and bright, shining with luminous lemon brightness and a fresh mossy aspect reminiscent of a summery forest. The sweetness is serene, light, balanced and distinctly lemony. (94) ANNA KREBIEHL

Molitor's 2023 Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese (Green Capsule) is precise, sharp, fresh and elegant on the nose that shows a concentrated white stone fruit aroma intertwined with saline notes of crushed slate and wet stones. The attack on the palate is charming, refined and elegantly fruity, highlighted by fresh, finely crystalline acidity. The wine becomes savory and almost dry on the well-structured and zesty finish. This has lots of substance and intensity for a wine with just 9.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. (94) STEPHEN REIHARDT

At once delicately earthy and vibrantly appley, with a serious structure underneath the charming exterior, this is fascinating, barely off-dry riesling Spatlese. The very crisp finish is wonderfully invigorating, pulling you back for more! Drink or hold. (94) STUART PIGGOT

The 2023 Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Kabinett Green Capsule still has a reductive touch on the nose and requires some swirling. Crushed citrus foliage charms underneath. The palate bursts with juiciness and crystalline brightness, featuring lovely accents of lemon balm, lemon peel and candy. The effect is deliciously bracing, like walking through a cool cloud of lemon on cold slate. How can something so light, so airy be so delicious?

The 2023 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese Golden Capsule initially hides its light under some reduction. The palate reveals slate-driven sleekness and pure lemon, complemented by serene sweetness that balances the essential saltiness on its superbly linear, elongated body. Exquisitely poised, so slender, so balanced. (97) ANNA KREBIEHL

The 2023 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is noble and intense yet in a fascinating refined and deep way. The bouquet reveals candied lemon aromas as well as some herbal nuances, such as oregano, and concentrated stone fruit notes. Round, refined and very elegant on the palate, this is a generous, mouth-filling yet also saline and salivating WSU Auslese with a long, intense and stimulating lemon-fresh finish. The wine is beautifully balanced yet still should be cellared for some more years and then enjoyed for decades. 7.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. (98) STEPHEN REIHARDT