In Von Winning’s hands, this single-vineyard becomes the go-to destination for bone-dry Riesling dripping with exoticism and profound mineral verve. It’s “another singular discovery,” exclaims importing legend Terry Theise, and I’d even go as far as to say that this Erste Lage—the equivalent of a Burgundian Premier Cru—is not just essential to developing your palate, but a crucial necessity to understanding the brilliance of elite dry German wine. Now with 3+ years under its belt, this barrel-aged and naturally crafted Riesling dazzles with exotic, energizing layers that will only intensify with age. There’s nothing more you could want from a quintessential wine. 

Now with a few years of bottle aging, Winning’s 2018 “Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad” has become a lively, layered, paradisiacal dry Riesling shot through with a mega-charge of finely crushed minerality. In the glass, it shines a vibrant straw-yellow with bright silver-green reflections and expresses a chameleonic nose that seemingly changes with each passing minute. At first, it’s citrus-heavy—Meyer lemon, Makrut lime peel, tangerine, citrus blossoms—but more air reveals exotic green mango peel and passionfruit, white peach, lemongrass, crushed stones, honeysuckle, and extremely delicate notes of petrol. Coming in at medium-bodied with appetite-whetting acidity, it flaunts impressive breadth along with its streamlined, high-toned energy. Translation: a glass disappears quickly, and you’ll immediately want another. While it surely will improve over the next 5+ years, it’s drinking superbly right now so there’s no need to hold off. Pull the cork, decant for about 15-30 minutes, and enjoy in all-purpose stems around 45-50 degrees. Enjoy!