Peter Jakob Kühn - Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2015

Introduction

The 2015 Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel from the Oestricher Lenchen estate of Peter Jakob Kühnrepresents the pinnacle of Rheingau Prädikat viticulture in a centenary vintage. The estate in Östrich-Winkel, run by the dynamic oenologist Peter Jakob Kühn and his family, stands for a modern, vital and mineral-influenced Rheingau style based on biodynamic cultivation methods (Demeter certification). The "Lenchen" site is a south-west-facing, steep slate slope with quartzite inclusions, which is known for its delicate, savoury and extremely long-lived Rieslings. The "Goldkapsel" label characterises the most selective and concentrated Auslese of the vintage.

Sensory description (based on tastings from 2020)

Appearance

• Colour: Intense, bright golden yellow with greenish reflections.

• Viscosity: Dense, slow-moving "tears" indicate the extract-rich sweetness and high alcohol content (typically around 7.5-8.0% vol. with high residual sweetness).

Nose

The nose is of beguiling complexity and alternates between opulent fruit, mineral coolness and typical biodynamic "liveliness" notes.

• Primary aromas: Explosive, ripe yellow fruit - apricot, peach, mirabelle plum and pineapple. Also honeycomb, orange blossom water and a hint of exotic fruit (lychee, mango).

• Secondary/mineral notes: The distinctive slatey, smoky core of the Lenchen is clearly evident. There are also notes of damp gravel, steel and a fresh herbal note (lemon balm, tarragon).

• Complexity: A light, barely perceptible botrytis note (noble rot) adds depth and a nuance of saffron and ginger.

Flavour

On the palate, the wine unfolds a dramatic tension, the magic of the 2015 vintage - the combination of maturity and freshness.

• Entry & centre: Opulent, juicy entry with the full richness of yellow fruit. The texture is dense, silky and yet light as a feather.

• Acidity structure: The acidityis razor-sharp, lively and mineral. It cuts through the sweetness perfectly and gives the wine incredible vigour and length. This is the key element for its longevity.

• Balance: The residual sweetness is considerable, but is perfectly supported by the acidity and the mineral extract and is never overpowering. A perfect interplay of sweetness and saltiness (umami).

• Finish: The finish lasts for several minutes, developing from fruit to a salty minerality to a refreshing, bittersweet citrus note (grapefruit, lemon zest).

Evaluation & development potential

Current state (as of 2023/24)

• The wine is still in an early, youthful phase. The fruit is dominant, the minerality is already powerful.

• It is already superbly drinkable, but still shows plenty of potential for more complex, tertiary flavours.

Development potential

• Medium-term (5-10 years): The fruit will recede, honeyed and more nuanced notes (petrol, dried herbs) will be added.

• Long-term (10-30+ years): This wine has the makings of a century vintage. The acidity and extract structure is so monumental that it will mature for decades and continue to show new facets. A classic candidate for "eternal" life in the cellar.

Vintage & vinification

• 2015 vintage in the Rheingau: An exceptionally warm and sunny year with early flowering and ideal ripeness. The wines are characterised by luscious fruit, high extract levels and, in the best sites, fabulous acidity. Perfect for great Prädikat wines.

• Vinification at Kühn:Longest spontaneous fermentation in large, old wooden barrels (barrels) with minimal intervention. Fermentation is stopped naturally as soon as the desired balance of sweetness, acidity and alcohol is achieved.

Recommendations

Decanting & serving

• Decanting: Not absolutely necessary, but careful decanting (30-45 minutes beforehand) can open up the wine and allow the complex flavours to develop better. A carafe with a large surface area is ideal.

• Temperature: 9-11°C. Do not serve too cool, otherwise the flavours will be anaesthetised.

• Glass: A large, tulip-shaped white wine goblet (e.g. Zalto Riesling) promotes the development of the flavours.

Suitable accompaniment

• As an aperitif: Pure, for contemplative enjoyment.

• With desserts: Perfect with fruit desserts (apricot or peach tart, lemon soufflé), blueberry cake or cream cakes.

• With cheese: Excellent with strong blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola dolce) or mature mountain cheese.

• Contrasting pairing: Also an exciting partner to slightly spicy or Asian dishes (Thai curry with coconut milk).

Rating & Conclusion

98/100 points (world class)

The Peter Jakob Kühn Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2015 is a wine of the century, combining the opulent sweetness and richness of the great vintage with the radiant, salty minerality of the Lenchen terroir and the lively, precise signature of the winery. A wine of brute elegance, endless complexity and breathtaking persistence, it is already a delight, but will mature into even greater splendour over the coming decades. A must for every lover of great Riesling and a reference for the modern Rheingau.