Massive Mosel Markdowns:
Merkelbach, Molitor, and Max Richter
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Merkelbach, Molitor, and Max Richter
Unlock Your Discount Now
We offer 127 options (that’s over 2,000 bottles!!) from these three amazing Mosel makers.
Shop the list below or hop over to our webstore to claim your discount.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Merkelbach, Molitor, and/or Max Richter
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Merkelbach, Molitor, and/or Max Richter
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, September 24th at 9 am Pacific.
Shop the list below or hop over to our webstore to claim your discount.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Merkelbach, Molitor, and/or Max Richter
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Merkelbach, Molitor, and/or Max Richter
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, September 24th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer twenty options from Merkelbach, ninty-seven from Molitor, and ten Max Richter in-stock and on sale now, including:
Merkelbach: The Truchot of the Mosel
“Should we all buy more Merkelbach? Yes, of course!” – Mosel Fine Wines
We adore the wines of Weingut Alfred Merkelbach, irrationally and perhaps more than any other grower in the Mosel. They set the curve for the term “old-school,” having made their wines in similar style for almost 70 years. These wines capture the delicacy and etherealness of Riesling like few other wines we’ve tried. Terry Theise, when importing the wines for Skurnik, described their wines as “like VAPING Mosel Riesling.”
The tiny estate boasts mostly ancient (and sometimes ungrafted) vines grown on steep terraces along the Mosel River in Urzig and in Kinheim. When most of the Ürziger Würzgarten vineyards were replanted during the re-alignment of the vineyards, Merkelbach’s vines remained on original rootstock. Today, the vines average around 50 years of age.
The resulting wines are some of the most haunting expressions of the Mosel. They have a charm and an energy that’s unlike almost any other wine we’ve tasted. In fact, their closest comparison might not be in the Mosel at all, but rather with Jacky Truchot’s wines in Burgundy—another producer who managed to create unbearably delicate, ethereal wines that bottles sunshine and joy. Enjoy the wines now, enjoy them years from now; these wines could well outlast us all.
Merkelbach Highlights:
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett #13 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2018er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett was harvested from old un-grafted vines at 90° Oechsle in the part of the vineyard situated above the cellar of the Merkelbachs, just behind the village, and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (50 g/l). It offers a hugely aromatic nose of white peach, apricot, floral elements and spices. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate and leaves a long and refined feel of herbs in the finish. 2028-2048.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $31.90, that’s $30.31 at 5% off and $28.71 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “An elegant and finely-nuanced Mosel Kabinett with a wide spectrum of aromas that range from mandarin orange to pomegranate and wild strawberry. In spite of the juiciness on the front and mid-palate this is delicate and has a tantalizing spiciness at the long finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Spätlese #3 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $31.90, that’s $30.31 at 5% off and $28.71 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
John Gilman-A View From the Cellar 92+ points “The 2018 Rosenberg Spätlese AP #3 from the Merkelbachs is a touch more mineral in personality and has just a bit more mid-palate stuffing than the AP #2 version, but without sacrificing any of the classic filigree of this Prädikat level. It is also the more reserved of the two bottlings in its youthful phase, offering up scents of apple, pear, a beautiful base of slate, incipient notes of bee pollen, violets and iris blossoms. On the palate the wine is pure, medium-full and quite solid at the core, with lovely mineral undertow, zesty acids and fine focus and grip on the long and nascently complex finish. This is the Rosenberg Spätlese from 2018 that is going to demand a bit of bottle age before it starts to blossom, so the AP #2 is by far the better selection for those who are predisposed to want to drink their Merkelbach Spätlese on the early side. But, this wine will age superbly. 2024-2055+. 92+.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $38, that’s $36.10 at 5% off and $34.20 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “Here’s a succulent riesling Spatlese with tons of wild strawberry and nectarine. And beneath this rather extrovert exterior is a serious structure and excellent mineral freshness. At the long finish this side of the wine becomes ever stronger. It would be easy to underestimate the aging potential of this wine due to the generous upfront fruit. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese #7 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock nowMosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese was harvested at 97° Oechsle. It displays a superbly aromatic, ripe and fruity nose of yellow peach, pineapple, honey, anise and smoke. The wine coats the rather intense palate with juicy yellow and honeyed fruits pepped up by a nice whiff of acidity. The finish is delicately smooth and long. This gorgeous “Auslese GK” in all but name only needs a decade to blossom. 2027-2047.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese #8 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2019er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese AP 08 was harvested in the sector next to the Sonnenuhr. It offers a hugely attractive nose of vineyard peach, whipped almond cream, minty herbs, spices, William’s pear, and candied grapefruit. The wine is still on the sweet side on the palate, but its refined fruity and creamy side are superbly appealing. Add to this a great zest and a sense of purity side in the long and animating finish, and you have all the elements for a great playful Auslese in a decade and more. 2029-2059.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ‘Urgluck’ 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
No review available for the 2023 vintage. Recent review provided for reference.
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2019er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese Urglück was harvested in this prime part of the central part of the vineyard still planted with old un-grafted vines. It offers a gorgeously refreshing yet deep nose of grapefruit, lime, mint, spices, smoke, green apple, pear, orange blossom, and vineyard peach. The wine proves stunningly playful and delicate on the palate as its sweet richness underlined by almond cream, honeyed peach, and pineapple and magnificently wrapped into some energetic and lively acidity. The finish is hugely long and intense. This stunning Auslese is a modern-day classic in the making! 2029-2049.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor: Mastery of Multitudes
After thirty-five years at the helm of the family business, Markus Molitor remains one of the most respected and lauded winemakers in the world. With broad holdings, Molitor crafts dozens of wines each vintage. He believes that every single sub-parcel and selective pick should be vinified to its utmost potential. What results is a deeply rewarding if sprawling portfolio.
Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), Markus’ wines represent some of the Mosel’s best. And thanks to his extensive holdings, Molitor offers German Riesling lovers with a passport to explore many of the region’s most important vineyards.
Molitor Highlights:
Markus Molitor Alte Reben Riesling Trocken (White Capsule) 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $29, that’s $27.55 at 5% off and $26.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Trocken (White Capsule) 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** Trocken (White Capsule) 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese *** Trocken (White Capsule) 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese *** Trocken (White Capsule) 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+? points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Feinherb (Green Capsule) 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese * Feinherb (Green Capsule) 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $41.90, that’s $39.81 at 5% off and $37.71 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese ** Feinherb (Green Capsule) 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Feinherb (Green Capsule) 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Feinherb (Green Capsule) 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (Gold Capsule) 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $28, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spätlese (Gold Capsule) 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** (Gold Capsule) 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 29 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese *** (Gold Capsule) 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *** (Gold Capsule) 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *** (Gold Capsule) 2017 375ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 17 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese * 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $399, that’s $379.05 at 5% off and $359.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 100 points
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese * 2017 375ml Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 17 half-bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today for the 750ml!
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast for the 375ml!
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast for the 375ml!
Max Ferd. Richter: Ancient Excellence
This ancient estate dates back over 300 years and is under the helm now of 10th-generation winemaker Constantin Richter. Vineyard management is focused on maximizing quality. Harvest is completely by hand with multiple, meticulous passes through the vineyard to ensure only the finest grapes are harvested. As an example, botrytized grapes are hand-selected at the single berry level.
Based on their holdings and the quality of their wines, Richter deserves to be a name on par with JJ Prum, Molitor, or Willi Schaefer, but poor distribution has prevented them from reaching the level of fame that they deserve (which, frankly, is great for pricing).
The stars of show are the Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr wines. Here, the soil is heavy in iron, imparting a darker sense to its minerality. In 2018, the wines seemed to show the most balance and knocked the socks off quite a few reviewers. Stephan Reinhardt from the Wine Advocate wrote of the Spätlese that its “piquant finesse and mineral tension [evoked] that of the Scharzhofberger and the Euchariusberg,” noting too that he “can hardly imagine any better Spätlese from 2018.” If that’s not enough for you, don’t sleep on the more decadent Wehlener Sonnenhur wines, including the dry Uralte Reben GG, aged in traditional fuder and crafted from vines over 125 years old, and the Kabinett, which we suggest as pairings with fresh fruit or cream pies.
These are gloriously complex wines, built for the cellar and affordable enough to buy in quantity, especially on our three-day sale.
Max Ferd. Richter Highlights:
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ml Was $45, Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “I love the discreet mirabelle, spice and angelica notes of this finely chiseled dry Mosel riesling that has plenty of depth and structure, but doesn’t yet announce it loudly. Needs some time to open up, but the classic elegance is already very clear. Drinkable now, but better from 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Uralte Reben Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 91+ points “The 2018er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trocken Uralte Reben GG was made in traditional Fuder cask from over 100 year-old un-grafted vines in the Brück part of the vineyard. It offers an intense nose made of grapefruit bitter, anise, herbs and some white flowers. The wine develops a rather intense but quite structured feel of lemon zest, camphor, herbs and fine spices on the palate. The finish is quite powerful and hugely tart. 2021-2028.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2018 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett is deep but bright and refined on the flinty nose that offers perfectly ripe Riesling and crunchy slate aromas with a warm iron touch. On the palate, this is a lush, refined, salty-piquant, even racy Riesling with generous fruit and a very long, salty-piquant and crystalline finish. This is a highly complex Riesling in the most delicate expression. It’s one of the wines you just have to buy—there won’t be any regrets, not today or in 30 years. Since this Brauneberger has slightly more sulfur compared to the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, which still hasn’t been filtered and was tasted from the lees, I will retaste the wines early next year, as I am convinced a Mosel Riesling needs two winters to unmask itself. Tasted in March 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling Kabinett 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2018 Elisenberger Riesling Kabinett is dense, cool, very precise and flinty-mineral on the nose, which is still reductive but exciting. Coming from a coolish side valley that was picked at roughly 84° to 85° Oechsle at the end of September, this is a gorgeously lush and mouth-filling Riesling with the mineral piquancy of quartzite soils. There is no aggressive acidity here, there is nice tartaric acidity that makes this a seductive Kabinett you can’t resist. This is a fabulous, very long and enchanting Riesling. The wine has slightly more than 50 grams of residual sugar and comes in at 8.5% alcohol. It was scheduled to be bottled a couple of days after I tasted it from the cask at the end of March 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 25 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “From the two oldest plots (80-90 years old and 120 years old), the fuder-fermented 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese offers great precision and aromas of tropical fruit intertwined with very fine slate on the nose. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling and salty-piquant, with mango and slate flavors on the racy finish. This is dangerous stuff, very dangerous, yet it’s also tight and tensioned. This is, for the moment, the finest and most stimulating Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Dangerous. Really dangerous. Tasted in March 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** 2018 375ml Was $59, Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The first three-starred Auslese since 2005 (prior to that, it was 1993, 1983 and 1975), the 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** was picked at about 145° Oechsle. This is incredibly clear, pure, fine and fresh on the lush, concentrated, herbal and grapefruit-scented nose. On the palate, this is a generously lush, refined and salty-piquant Auslese with a tight mineral structure and lingering salinity. This is highly refined and extremely stimulating. It already drinks all too well today, but Constantin recommends cellaring it for at least 10 years. Tasted in March 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Shop our one hundred twenty-seven selections from Merkelbach, Molitor, and Max Richter on sale now on our webstore!
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
Italian Magnum Sale
5% off any 2-4 in-stock large format bottles from Italy
10% off any 5 or more in-stock large format bottles from Italy
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, September 22nd at 9 am Pacific.