C. von Schubert'sche Schlosskellerei - Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg Riesling Auslese 1989, Ruwer, Germany

Introduction: The aristocratic tranquillity of the Ruwer

The Maximin Grünhäuserwinery in the Ruwer, run by the von Schubert family , is one of the great traditional addresses in German viticulture. It embodies a style of unrivalled elegance, subtle power and almost immortal longevity. The single vineyard Herrenberg is the heart of the estate, an amphitheatre-shaped, south-west facing slope with deep, Devonian slate. An Auslese from the warm, sunny and concentrated 1989 vintagefrom this terroir promises a Mosel Riesling of rare density, ripeness and harmonious sweetness - a wine that perfectly represents the gentle power of the Ruwer.

Sensory description (with perfect storage)

After 35 years, this Auslese has reached the full maturity of its sweetness, while the characteristic cool structure of the Ruwer forms its vital framework. It is not a light Mosel, but a serious, profound Auslese.

Colour

• A radiant, medium to deep golden yellow with intense golden-green reflections. The colour shows ripeness and extract, but appears clear and lively.

Nose

The bouquet is intense, concentrated and a fascinating blend of ripe, almost tropical fruit, honey-like botrytis and the typical cool Ruwer minerality.

• Ripe, dense fruit: Apricot jam, mirabelle plum purée, preserved yellow peaches, honeydew melon, an exotic note of pineapple.

• Honey & ripe notes: Strong, elegant flavours of honeycomb, beeswax, roasted almonds, a well-integrated petrol note.

• The mineral coolness of the Herrenberg: A pronounced, pebbly, almost metallic-sharp slate minerality, combined with notes of wet stone, chalk and a cool, salty freshness. This anchors the sweetness in the terroir.

• Harmony: The nose is wonderfully balanced - the sweetness is perfumed and ripe, but is infused with mineral freshness.

Palate

The palate confirms the image of a dense, juicy and yet feather-light Auslese Riesling of great class.

• Texture: Medium to full-bodied, juicy and with a velvety, concentrated sweetness. The residual sweetness is considerable, but is carried by the lively acidity and acts as a supple, warming fullness.

• Acidity: Brilliant, lively and the structural backbone. Despite the ripeness and warmth of the vintage, the acidity is still laser-like present. It cuts through the sweetness, giving the wine an electric tension, savoury freshness and ensuring its lasting longevity.

• Palate: A precise reflection of the nose: a big wave of ripe apricot and honey, infused with smoky slate, a salty minerality and savoury complexity.

• Finish: Exceptionally long, complex and savoury. The aftertaste of honey, slate, petrol and a refreshing, almond-like bitterness lingers for minutes, leaving a clean, invigorating impression.

Vintage & terroir

1989 vintage from the Mosel/Ruwer

• An outstanding, warm and concentrated vintage. A sunny summer and autumn resulted in grapes of high physiological ripeness and extract, yet well preserved acidity. The wines are denser and accessible earlier than the classic acidity vintages (e.g. 1990, 1996), but have great ageing potential.

Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg site

• One of the great monopole single vineyards in Germany. The deep, Devonian slate soil and the sheltered location ensure a unique combination of ripeness and mineral coolness.

• Character: The wines are known for their "inner calm", their silky texture and their perfect balance between fruit and mineral. They are less nervous and aggressive than some neighbouring vineyards, but have unshakeable depth and structure.

The von Schubert signature

• Traditional, purist approach: longest maturation, gentlest vinification, long fermentation and ageing in large old barrels made from our own oak.

• The aim is to produce wines with maximum ageing potential, terroir transparency and timeless elegance. They need a very long time to develop.

Drinking maturity & ageing potential

Current drinking maturity

The wine only reached its optimum drinking window relatively recentlyand is now at the peak of its complexity. It is mature and accessible, but still has the structure for many more years.

Development potential

• Peak: Now until 2035.

• Ageing potential: With optimal cellaring , well into 2045 and beyond. This Auslese will age like a Großes Gewächs: the fruit will slowly recede, while the mineral and petrol complexity will become even more dominant.

Rating & recommendations

Rating: 95-97/100 points

An absolutely world-class Auslese and a reference for the Ruwer and the 1989 vintage. It epitomises the perfect harmony between concentrated ripeness, lively acidity and mineral depth for which Maximin Grünhäuser is famous.

Recommendations for enjoyment

1. Decanting: Not necessary. Careful pouring and development in the glass over 30-60 minutes is ideal.

2. Serving temperature: 8-10°C.

3. Glass: A large, tulip-shaped Riesling glass.

4. Food pairing: A wine for the finest accompaniment or on its own:

   • Foie gras (classic combination).

   • Strong blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola).

   • Fruity desserts (apricot or peach tart, not too sweet).

   • Simply pure, as a contemplative meditation.

Conclusion

The Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg Auslese 1989 is a wine of monumental beauty and aristocratic composure. It is the result of a great vintage on one of the best terroirs of the Ruwer, interpreted by one of Germany's most traditional domains. This wine is not characterised by loud opulence, but by its infinite depth, salty mineral precision and timeless balance. Opening a bottle is a privileged event and a lesson in Mosel grandeur and patience. An absolute collector's item and an unforgettable taste experience for every connoisseur. A silent giant.