In This Newsletter:
Karlsmuhle
Close-Out Featurette: Aldo Conterno
Karlsmuhle
Close-Out Featurette: Aldo Conterno
Dive into the Ruwer’s Elegant Rieslings
Stock Up & Save On
Karlsmuhle
Stock Up & Save On
Karlsmuhle
Weingut Karlsmühle dates back to 1803, when Johann Karls purchased the property. After the acquisition, the family began the process of building the jewel of Mertesdorf-Lorenzhof. The estate has passed through various branches of the family. It’s now owned and operated by Peter Geiben, who has managed the estate since 1996.
Karlsmühle is nestled in the Ruwer, formerly known as Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. It is one of the most unique of the Mosel sub-regions and tiny, making up only 2% of the Mosel’s vineyard land. Steep slopes rich in slate soil surround the small feeder streams of the Ruwer, representing some of the finest vineyard land in the region. The winery sits at the bend of this tiny river, across the main road from one of the most internationally famous wineries of the region: Maximin Grunhaus.
Across the river lies a massive slope bedecked in fine vineyard land. This are Lorenzhöf’s vineyards [pictured above], which includes a monopole the estate. This slope is the steepest terroir in the Ruwer. The soils are composed of clayey slate layered with quartzite. Karlsmuhle’s vines are very old; their roots stretch deep into the rocky soil in search of scant water.
The steepness of the vineyards means most of the work is done by hand, from replanting to each pass during harvest. In the winery, the wines are fermented with natural yeasts and gently processed mostly into dry or off-dry wines.
Johannes Selbach, owner and magician behind Selbach-Oster, personally selected these wines for our shop. Johannes is the humble tastemaker behind US importer Terry Theise, one of the most important American figures in the modern revitalization of interest in German Rieslings.
When he offered us hand-pick wines for us to exclusively carry in the United States, we jumped at the chance. Karlsmühle is one of several estates he chose, alongside C.H. Berres, Crusius, Kees-Kieren, and Prinz, as well as a few exclusive imports from his winery. The fact that there are few reviews of these wines is more an indication of their rarity than their quality.
Karlsmühle is nestled in the Ruwer, formerly known as Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. It is one of the most unique of the Mosel sub-regions and tiny, making up only 2% of the Mosel’s vineyard land. Steep slopes rich in slate soil surround the small feeder streams of the Ruwer, representing some of the finest vineyard land in the region. The winery sits at the bend of this tiny river, across the main road from one of the most internationally famous wineries of the region: Maximin Grunhaus.
Across the river lies a massive slope bedecked in fine vineyard land. This are Lorenzhöf’s vineyards [pictured above], which includes a monopole the estate. This slope is the steepest terroir in the Ruwer. The soils are composed of clayey slate layered with quartzite. Karlsmuhle’s vines are very old; their roots stretch deep into the rocky soil in search of scant water.
The steepness of the vineyards means most of the work is done by hand, from replanting to each pass during harvest. In the winery, the wines are fermented with natural yeasts and gently processed mostly into dry or off-dry wines.
Johannes Selbach, owner and magician behind Selbach-Oster, personally selected these wines for our shop. Johannes is the humble tastemaker behind US importer Terry Theise, one of the most important American figures in the modern revitalization of interest in German Rieslings.
When he offered us hand-pick wines for us to exclusively carry in the United States, we jumped at the chance. Karlsmühle is one of several estates he chose, alongside C.H. Berres, Crusius, Kees-Kieren, and Prinz, as well as a few exclusive imports from his winery. The fact that there are few reviews of these wines is more an indication of their rarity than their quality.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Karlsmuhle
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Karlsmuhle
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, January 28th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Karlsmuhle
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, January 28th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer twelve Karlsmuhle options on sale now, including:
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: This dry Riesling is yellow/green in the glass, with an expressive nose and palate that reveals flavors of apricot and peaches. The mouthfeel is mouthwatering, with a perfect amount of juicy acidity and a refreshing and dry finish.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Spätlese Old Vine Trocken 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 32 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The Lorenzhöfer vineyards are held by us in exclusive possession of property. They are the steepest in the whole Ruwer valley, and the soil is characterized by clay slate with quartzite layers and a thin upper floor layer above the rocks. In our vineyards there are – for the most part – old, deep-rooted Riesling wines, which are in an ever-lasting “struggle for survival” with nature every year, finding their vital water reserve deep down in the rocky subsoil. Under such “stressful” life conditions, the typical classical Riesling wine delivers its highest assimilation performance, its mineral material and nutrient input from our extraordinary slate formations.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Spätlese Old Vine Trocken 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Made from Old Vines this dry spatlese has 3.2 g/l of residual sugar that highlights the ripe stone fruit of the wines flavor profile, with a clean and mineral structure and finish. This wine is refreshing and resolved, that makes both a great porch or pairing wine.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Kabinett Feinherb 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 35 bottles in stock now
Wein Plus 87 points “Fresh, cool, somewhat smoky citrus stone fruit nose with herbal aromas and mineral nuances. Cool, bright and fresh again in the mouth, fine herbal and delicately yeasty aromas, polished acidity, delicate grip, moderate sweetness, distinct minerality, persistent, a hint of dark berries, good to very good, fine-juicy finish with bite and minerality.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Kabinett Riesling 2019 750ml Was $19, Displayed Price: $16, that’s $15.20 at 5% off and $14.40 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Pear, apple, quince, white currant and lime signal on the nose that this wine originated with crunchier and higher-acid Riesling berries than did the corresponding Kabinett feinherb. That is confirmed by a bright, tangy palate impression, though buoyancy is accompanied by quite pronounced sweetness, which generates a bit of edgy tension with the wine’s tart and tangy aspects. A lovely thread of honeysuckle perfume runs through this whole performance. And the aforementioned tension proves reasonably productive, inasmuch as the lightly sweet-sour finish is invigoratingly nippy in its evocations of apple skin and currant seeds. It’s also lusciously fruity and admirably clear. You could certainly mount a convincing case that this wine is Spätlese-typical, but then, that’s true about a great many vintage 2018 Rieslings that are labeled “Kabinett,” including some truly delicious ones. (Drink between 2020-2030).”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Kabinett Riesling 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 91 points “The Kabinett from the old vines attracts more with gentle restraint than demonstrative aromatics. The fruit is discreet with hints of peach and gooseberry, a touch of icing sugar encourages sweet expectations. On the palate, a creamy orange mousse is ingratiating, the taste of grated citrus peel adds a spicy nuance, and icing of the finest kind provides a seductive finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Spatlese Riesling 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 28 bottles in stock now
Vineyard Note by Weingut Von Nell-Breuning “The Kaseler Nies’chen is one of the Ruwer Valley’s premium vineyards and enjoys a reputation all over the world. The blue/coppery coloured deep-lying clay-slate dating from the Devonian era reveals the high mineral content of the ground at first glance. It produces wines of finely structured, subtle minerality, with well-balanced acid and lots of fruit, body and play. The Nies’chen is a south-facing slope with an inclination of up to 70%.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Spätlese Select Riesling 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 35 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Sourced from what is considered the top vineyard site in the Ruwer river valley—“Kaseler Nie’schen”—this is a Riesling of palate-coating depth and profound minerality, perfectly balancing its spätlese-level residual sugar with an electric charge of acidity. A wide range of ‘secondary’ Riesling aromas and flavors have begun to develop as the wine nears a decade of age, and yet the wine refreshes and enlivens the palate as only Riesling can.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel 2017 750ml Was $41.90, Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “Stand back as this riesling fireball arrives! Full of energy with a dynamic interplay of citrusy acidity and aromatic sweetness, which ranges from peaches and blackcurrants to mint. With more length, this would have been rated even higher. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $38, that’s $36.10 at 5% off and $34.20 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: This dessert wine, labeled as a LGK which refers to the higher amount of botrytized grapes, is expressive on the nose and palate with notes of citrus and orchard fruit showing. The sweetness is well balanced in both the flavor, weight, and viscosity with a mineral backbone and a clean and acidic structure. A perfect dessert wine to pair with a baked good packed with fruit.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Eiswein 2008 375ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 3 half-bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 91 points “…Scents of gardenia, quince and apricot preserves, and caramel lead into a smoothly-polished and not at all aggressive palate with honey and caramel elements of botrytis and a faint prickle of Eiswein typical lemon rind and pit fruit distillates. Nut oils, fruit preserves, marzipan, caramel, malt and brown spices inform a long and for the genre surprisingly low-toned and gentle finish that carries considerable superficial sweetness but also reflects vintage-typical buoyancy…”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Trockenbeerenauslese 2007 375ml Was $119, Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 22 half-bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 93+ points “…Dried peach, apricot, and date mingle with quince preserves, licorice and further suggestions of herbal concentrate both on the nose and palate. While impressively viscous, this preserves a welcome lightness of touch and vivacity illustrative of the best aspects of the vintage, and its residual sugar is remarkably restrained in expression…”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our twelve selections now from Karlsmuhle!
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
Aldo Conterno
Son of the famous Giacomo Conterno, Aldo purchased his own estate, Favot, in 1969 to explore alternatives to the strictly traditional methods of the family estate. He took inspiration from Angelo Gaja and from his experiences while traveling in the United States.
Although he introduced some modern winemaking techniques that improved the quality of the wines, including temperature-controlled fermentation, he never fully embraced the “modern” heavily oak-influenced style. He eschewed new oak on the Barolos and continued to hand-harvest the grapes, using gentle pressing and shorter macerations in the cellar.
The results were polished and elegant wines with pure and bold fruit profiles. Since his passing in 2012, his three sons have run the estate. These are standard bearer wines for the region, and worthy of a dedicated spot in your cellar.
Find out for yourself what has wowed the critics by picking up the few remaining bottles while our additional discount on our Close-Out Sale is running!
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ml Was $179, Now $149, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2017 Barolo Bussia Colonnello shows good focus, structure and a sharper character that is often the distinguishing factor in this wine. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit and plum, but it also shows a solid framing of iron ore and dark stony mineral. These give the wine greater lift and contoured edges. This is not the first time that Colonnello is my favorite wine in this lineup, and I suspect it won’t be the last.”
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ml Was $889, Now $789, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “The earthy, woodsy aromas show some evolution in this red, with just a hint of white truffle, yet there’s still a hefty dose of spicy oak to be resolved. Rich and sumptuous midpalate, showing plum, cherry, tar and tobacco flavors shaded by vanilla and toasty spices, with firm, dusty tannins laying a grip on the long finish. Give this another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2042. From Italy. —B.S.”
Although he introduced some modern winemaking techniques that improved the quality of the wines, including temperature-controlled fermentation, he never fully embraced the “modern” heavily oak-influenced style. He eschewed new oak on the Barolos and continued to hand-harvest the grapes, using gentle pressing and shorter macerations in the cellar.
The results were polished and elegant wines with pure and bold fruit profiles. Since his passing in 2012, his three sons have run the estate. These are standard bearer wines for the region, and worthy of a dedicated spot in your cellar.
Find out for yourself what has wowed the critics by picking up the few remaining bottles while our additional discount on our Close-Out Sale is running!
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ml Was $179, Now $149, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2017 Barolo Bussia Colonnello shows good focus, structure and a sharper character that is often the distinguishing factor in this wine. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit and plum, but it also shows a solid framing of iron ore and dark stony mineral. These give the wine greater lift and contoured edges. This is not the first time that Colonnello is my favorite wine in this lineup, and I suspect it won’t be the last.”
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ml Was $889, Now $789, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “The earthy, woodsy aromas show some evolution in this red, with just a hint of white truffle, yet there’s still a hefty dose of spicy oak to be resolved. Rich and sumptuous midpalate, showing plum, cherry, tar and tobacco flavors shaded by vanilla and toasty spices, with firm, dusty tannins laying a grip on the long finish. Give this another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2042. From Italy. —B.S.”
We offer 181 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
Shop the sale on our webstore now!
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Gran Selezione sale ends Sunday, January 26th at 9 am Pacific.