| Vintage | Score | Drink Window | Description | ||||||
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Vintage2022 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionA very hot, dry summer—the sunniest on record—caused anxiety for winemakers, yet September rains allowed volume and freshness to return. Moderate alcohol levels and good energy define the wines with full ripeness; an accessible vintage early on, with pleasurable, well-balanced wines, thanks to supple (not overly racy) acidity (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionA very hot, dry summer—the sunniest on record—caused anxiety for winemakers, yet September rains allowed volume and freshness to return. Moderate alcohol levels and good energy define the wines with full ripeness; an accessible vintage early on, with pleasurable, well-balanced wines, thanks to supple (not overly racy) acidity (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2021 |
Score90 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionA cool and extremely difficult season marking a clear departure from the previous four warm vintages, with the coldest winter and spring in 40 years followed by a wet summer plagued by mildew and rot. After devastating summer flooding, the warm, dry fall brought relief, leading to many excellent, energetic wines, despite variable quality overall. The best versions offer finesse and aromatic purity, if not body and density; an acid-driven vintage, with structure and precision that bodes well for aging (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionA cool and extremely difficult season marking a clear departure from the previous four warm vintages, with the coldest winter and spring in 40 years followed by a wet summer plagued by mildew and rot. After devastating summer flooding, the warm, dry fall brought relief, leading to many excellent, energetic wines, despite variable quality overall. The best versions offer finesse and aromatic purity, if not body and density; an acid-driven vintage, with structure and precision that bodes well for aging (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2020 |
Score94 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionA warm winter and spring gave way to a very sunny summer, with many regions suffering from drought. Old vines fared better in these conditions, yet in general grapes achieved ideal ripeness, thanks to cool nights that preserved acidity and minerality, yielding many excellent dry wines, as well as kabinette and spätlesen, though few sweet wines could be made. Slightly more elegant than prior vintages, with moderate alcohol levels and great aging potential; also a very strong years for reds (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionA warm winter and spring gave way to a very sunny summer, with many regions suffering from drought. Old vines fared better in these conditions, yet in general grapes achieved ideal ripeness, thanks to cool nights that preserved acidity and minerality, yielding many excellent dry wines, as well as kabinette and spätlesen, though few sweet wines could be made. Slightly more elegant than prior vintages, with moderate alcohol levels and great aging potential; also a very strong years for reds (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2019 |
Score94 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionUneven flowering led to heterogeneous ripening, with record heat in July followed by cooler weather in August. Selection was key, resulting in a smaller crop of refined, precise Rieslings (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionUneven flowering led to heterogeneous ripening, with record heat in July followed by cooler weather in August. Selection was key, resulting in a smaller crop of refined, precise Rieslings (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2018 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionFavorable weather throughout the growing season delivered the largest harvest since 1999. Wines are richer and riper overall, with charming off-dry styles, approachable GGs and excellent dessert wines. Offers more drinkability than aging potential (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionFavorable weather throughout the growing season delivered the largest harvest since 1999. Wines are richer and riper overall, with charming off-dry styles, approachable GGs and excellent dessert wines. Offers more drinkability than aging potential (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2017 |
Score94 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionAn early start to the season was followed by heavy frost, with summer warm and dry until August, when rain brought challenges. Yields are down, but top producers delivered balanced, ageworthy wines (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionAn early start to the season was followed by heavy frost, with summer warm and dry until August, when rain brought challenges. Yields are down, but top producers delivered balanced, ageworthy wines (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2016 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionA hot, dry summer and good weather at harvest compensated for a damp spring, yielding aromatic, elegant and food-friendly wines; the best are supple and vibrant (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionA hot, dry summer and good weather at harvest compensated for a damp spring, yielding aromatic, elegant and food-friendly wines; the best are supple and vibrant (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2015 |
Score96 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionNearly perfect spring and summer weather, followed by a cooler autumn, resulted in ripe grapes that retained high acidity. Offers a full range from bone-dry to dessert style (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionNearly perfect spring and summer weather, followed by a cooler autumn, resulted in ripe grapes that retained high acidity. Offers a full range from bone-dry to dessert style (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2014 |
Score91 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionMostly cool and wet growing conditions led to a warm September and a short harvest, producing an average-size crop of racy and herbal-inflected whites (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click for full tasting note): |
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DescriptionMostly cool and wet growing conditions led to a warm September and a short harvest, producing an average-size crop of racy and herbal-inflected whites (See all ratings)Top-scoring wines (click to see full tasting note): |
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Vintage2013 |
Score89 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionErratic weather, including rain at harvest, resulted in a small crop. Top producers relied on careful selection in the vineyard to make rich and minerally wines, yet many show high acidity and are just starting to become harmonious (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionErratic weather, including rain at harvest, resulted in a small crop. Top producers relied on careful selection in the vineyard to make rich and minerally wines, yet many show high acidity and are just starting to become harmonious (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2012 |
Score94 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionVintners overcame a challenging vintage to deliver open-knit, fruity Rieslings supported by ripe acidity (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionVintners overcame a challenging vintage to deliver open-knit, fruity Rieslings supported by ripe acidity (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2011 |
Score95 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionIdeal harvest conditions delivered fruit-forward, open-knit and balanced wines with opulent flavors and textures (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionIdeal harvest conditions delivered fruit-forward, open-knit and balanced wines with opulent flavors and textures (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2010 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionCool growing season led to wines full of acidity and dense flavors. Exceptionally low yields. Look to top producers (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionCool growing season led to wines full of acidity and dense flavors. Exceptionally low yields. Look to top producers (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2009 |
Score97 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionWarm, dry weather at harvest; exceptionally balanced wines, with plenty of pure fruit, minerality and creaminess. Powerful GGs that are drinking beautifully now (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionWarm, dry weather at harvest; exceptionally balanced wines, with plenty of pure fruit, minerality and creaminess. Powerful GGs that are drinking beautifully now (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2008 |
Score92 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionCrisp, vibrant and light-weight Rieslings marked by juicy acidity and pure orchard, citrus and savory flavors; the wines today show more complexity than promised (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionCrisp, vibrant and light-weight Rieslings marked by juicy acidity and pure orchard, citrus and savory flavors; the wines today show more complexity than promised (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2007 |
Score95 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionClassically proportioned, with ripe, complex fruit and mineral flavors; density with elegance (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionClassically proportioned, with ripe, complex fruit and mineral flavors; density with elegance (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2006 |
Score92 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionOpulent, charming but fleshy kabinett and spätlese; terrific auslese, BA and TBA, with clean botrytis; best in Mosel; fine dry wines (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionOpulent, charming but fleshy kabinett and spätlese; terrific auslese, BA and TBA, with clean botrytis; best in Mosel; fine dry wines (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2005 |
Score98 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionLush, ripe Rieslings at all quality levels; acidity, though low in some, balances richness in most (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionLush, ripe Rieslings at all quality levels; acidity, though low in some, balances richness in most (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2004 |
Score91 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionVibrant, sleek wines from kabinett to auslese, but little botrytis and few late-harvest wines; fine Mosel and Nahe examples (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionVibrant, sleek wines from kabinett to auslese, but little botrytis and few late-harvest wines; fine Mosel and Nahe examples (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2003 |
Score94 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionRipe, opulent wines; best in Mosel, Nahe and Rheingau. Terrific BA and TBA, though not much botrytis (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionRipe, opulent wines; best in Mosel, Nahe and Rheingau. Terrific BA and TBA, though not much botrytis (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2002 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionThe best are charming, juicy wines, from kabinett to auslese. Pfalz and Rheingau excelled (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionThe best are charming, juicy wines, from kabinett to auslese. Pfalz and Rheingau excelled (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2001 |
Score98 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionBest vintage since 1971. Ripe, healthy grapes made pure, harmonious wines at all quality levels; best in middle Mosel (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionBest vintage since 1971. Ripe, healthy grapes made pure, harmonious wines at all quality levels; best in middle Mosel (See all ratings) |
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Vintage2000 |
Score82 |
Drink WindowDrink |
DescriptionPlagued by rain and rot, with outstanding results from a handful of growers. Variable quality; choose carefully (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionPlagued by rain and rot, with outstanding results from a handful of growers. Variable quality; choose carefully (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1999 |
Score90 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionRich and round, with ripe but lower acidity resulting in forward, appealing wines (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionRich and round, with ripe but lower acidity resulting in forward, appealing wines (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1998 |
Score89 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionRipe, sleek, crisp; fine dry wines, especially in the Pfalz, and exciting ice wines (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionRipe, sleek, crisp; fine dry wines, especially in the Pfalz, and exciting ice wines (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1997 |
Score88 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionPure, clear wines with lower acidity and little botrytis; best in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionPure, clear wines with lower acidity and little botrytis; best in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1996 |
Score89 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionExtremely late harvest; stunning in Rheingau. Perfumed, ripe, high in acidity; ageworthy, though stick to top producers (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionExtremely late harvest; stunning in Rheingau. Perfumed, ripe, high in acidity; ageworthy, though stick to top producers (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1995 |
Score88 |
Drink WindowDrink |
DescriptionTop estates made the best wines; aromatic and fruity, with harmonious acidity (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionTop estates made the best wines; aromatic and fruity, with harmonious acidity (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1990 |
Score97 |
Drink WindowDrink or hold |
DescriptionPowerful, great acidity and extract, harmonious (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionPowerful, great acidity and extract, harmonious (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1988 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowDrink |
DescriptionBalanced, firm; best in middle Mosel (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionBalanced, firm; best in middle Mosel (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1985 |
Score87 |
Drink WindowPast peak |
DescriptionRacy, well-structured; some problems in Rheingau, Pfalz (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionRacy, well-structured; some problems in Rheingau, Pfalz (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1983 |
Score93 |
Drink WindowPast peak |
DescriptionVery fruity, ripe, round; little botrytis (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionVery fruity, ripe, round; little botrytis (See all ratings) |
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Vintage1976 |
Score96 |
Drink WindowDrink |
DescriptionRipe, powerful; plenty of botrytis (See all ratings) |
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DescriptionRipe, powerful; plenty of botrytis (See all ratings) |
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Notable older vintages: 1971, 1969, 1959, 1953, 1949 |
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Vintage ratings: 95-100, classic; 90-94, outstanding; 85-89, very good; 80-84, good; 75-79, mediocre; 50-74, not recommended
A score range indicates preliminary analysis based on barrel samples and/or a limited sampling; many wines of the vintage not yet reviewed.
Drinkability: "NYR" means the vintage has not yet been released; "drink" means most of the wines of the vintage are ready to drink; "hold" means most of the ageworthy wines have yet to fully mature; "past peak" means most of the wines are declining rather than improving.
SOURCE: WINE SPECTATOR
