Schäfer-Fröhlich - Felseneck Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG dry 2021 '100 Parker Points'

Schäfer-Fröhlich – Felseneck Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG dry 2021

1. Introduction & Award

The Schäfer-Fröhlich Felseneck Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG dry 2021 ranks amongst the most exceptional dry Rieslings that Germany has produced in recent years. The Schäfer-Fröhlich winery in the Nahe wine-growing region is regularly ranked by critics amongst the best producers of dry Rieslings – and the Felseneck GG 2021 is regarded as the absolute highlight of the vintage.

The wine received what is arguably its most significant accolade from Stephan Reinhardt of The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker), who awarded it 99–100 points. In the wine trade, the wine is therefore often listed as ‘100 Parker Points’.

2. Tasting notes (Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate)

Stephan Reinhardt describes the 2021 Felseneck GG as:

“a wild expression of crushed flint and slate, herbs, green leaves, camomile and lime zest, along with iodine notes of lemon juice. Full-bodied on the palate, yet rich and very elegant – a pure, crystalline, sharp and dense ‘lightsaber’ of a dry Riesling, which some might consider too austere at present. But the fullness, intensity, concentration and balance are simply perfect for ensuring long bottle ageing. The tannins are fine and integrated with salts and extract, power and fullness, as well as the character of crushed stones. A very long, intense, concentrated and rich finish – a legend in the making.”

3. Further critics’ comments

• Joe Salamone (Crush Wine & Spirits) named the 2021 Felseneck GG his ‘Wine of the Year’ and described it as‘as good as a dry Riesling can possiblybe’. Hehighlights the“breathtaking intensity andvigour” as well as the“impeccableminerality”.

• Falstaff awarded it97 points.

• James Suckling awarded another 2021 Schäfer-Fröhlich (Spätlese Goldkapsel) 100 points – which underlines the exceptional quality of the entire vintage.

4. Terroir & Origin

The Felseneck vineyard in Bockenau (Nahe) is a steep, south-facing vineyard with blue slate soil. Before Tim Fröhlich (winemaker at Schäfer-Fröhlich), this terroir was completely unknown – today it ranks among the best sites for dry Rieslings in Germany. According to critics, the Felseneck GG combines“all the mineral, textural and refined qualities of the estate’s other GG wines into an impressivewhole”.

5. Technical details

6. Drinking recommendations & ageing potential

The 2021 Felseneck GG is still very young and austere – experts recommend giving it time to develop. Its perfect balance and concentration guarantee exceptional ageing potential over many years. Ideal pairings include white fish, shellfish, sushi and spicy dishes – thewine’s‘sharpacidity’ cuts through fat and sauces elegantly.

7. Price & Availability

The wine retailsat around €125 per 0.75-litre bottle (equivalent to €166.67 per litre). Magnum bottles (1,500 ml) are available at prices around €295. Due to its high rating and limited production, the wine is in high demand and is already sold out in many places.

Conclusion

The Schäfer-Fröhlich Felseneck Riesling GG dry 2021 is a world-class dry Riesling, awarded 99–100 Parker points by Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate) . With its crystalline clarity, intense minerality and enormous ageing potential, it ranks among the finest dry Rieslings of the decade – a wine that has left a lasting mark on the reputation of the Nahe region and the Schäfer-Fröhlich winery.