Wittmann - Morstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG 2018

Here is a detailed review of Weingut Wittmann - Westhofener Morstein Riesling Großes Gewächs (GG) 2018.

1. Wine identification

• Producer: Winery Wittmann (Westhofen, Rheinhessen)

• Wine description: Westhofener Morstein Riesling Großes Gewächs (GG)

• Vintage: 2018

• Grape variety: Riesling (100 %)

• Flavour: dry

• Alcohol content: 13 % vol

• Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs (highest quality level of the VDP)

• Vineyard area: The Wittmann winery owns approx. 4 hectares in the best, south-east facing parcel of the Morstein

• Vine age: Old vines (exact age not specified, site documented since 1282)

• Vinification: Slow fermentation, long lees contact, maturation in stainless steel tanks

• Certification: BIO-certified (DE-ÖKO-022), biodynamic cultivation since 2004

2. Market presence & price

The Morstein GG 2018 is largely sold out in regular specialist shops and is only available via auctions or remaining stock.

• Original price: approx. 75-90 € per 0.75-litre bottle

• Current availability: Sold out

• Drinking window: 2020-2040 (forecast)

• Special feature: The wine is one of the most sought-after GGs of the 2018 vintage in Rheinhessen

3. Historical background: Wittmann winery

The Wittmann winery looks back on a long tradition in Westhofen.

• History: The Wittmann family has been cultivating vineyards in Westhofen for 350 years and 15 generations

• Current management: Philipp Wittmann (since the 1990s)

• Vineyard area: Approx. 40 hectares

• Philosophy: Organic viticulture since 1990, biodynamic cultivation since 2004 (Demeter-certified). Gentle vinification with spontaneous fermentation and long yeast contact

• VDP member: The winery is a member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and belongs to the Rheinhessen elite

4. The site: Westhofener Morstein

The Morstein is one of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in Rheinhessen.

• First mentioned: 1282 - making it one of the most historically significant vineyards in the region

• Location: Southeast-facing slope that stretches from Gundersheim to Westhofen

• Soil profile:

  • Topsoil: Heavy, clayey marl with limestone inclusions

  • Subsoil: Massive limestone rocks that ensure excellent water circulation

• Speciality: The limestone soil gives the Morstein wines their characteristic saltiness and mineral depth

5. 2018 vintage

The 2018 vintage in Rheinhessen was characterised by exceptional climatic conditions.

• Weather: A very warm, dry summer with a long ripening phase led to fully ripe, healthy grapes with high concentration

• Characteristics: The wines of the 2018 vintage are powerful, opulent and show a rare balance between fullness and fresh acidity

• Rating: 2018 is considered one of the great vintages of Rheinhessen - "a vintage for eternity"

6. Critics' ratings

The Morstein GG 2018 received outstanding ratings from all major wine critics.

Note: While James Suckling awarded 98 points in one assessment , other sources also state 94 points . The 98 points represent the highest score and are documented for this wine.

Community ratings (CellarTracker, 30 notes): Average in the 93-95 point range with comments such as:

"Very gripping and vibrant on the palate, very savoury-mineral. I am clearly reminded of cubeb pepper with that slightly lemony-peppery-numbing style. Extremely long and persistent."

7. Sensory description (according to critics)

• Nose:

  • Wild yellow flowers, citrus fruit, passion fruit, apricot, nectarine, honeydew melon

  • Salty-maritime character, exotic spices (cubeb pepper)

  • For some critics: "ambrosia rice pudding" as an unusual, seductive note

• Palate:

  • Opulent texture with creamy richness, paired with vibrant, precise acidity

  • Intense minerality with pronounced salinity and alkaline notes

  • Fruit flavours of grapefruit, mango chutney, pink pepper berries, pomegranate

  • Phenolic intensity with a cheek-grabbing structure

• Finish:

  • Extremely long, intense, with a peppery, mineral finish

  • Salty, chalky, with lingering freshness

8. Summary & drinking recommendation

Weingut Wittmann Westhofener Morstein Riesling GG 2018is one of the most outstanding German Rieslings of the vintage. It combines the opulent fullness of the warm 2018 vintage with the characteristic mineral salinity of the Morstein limestone soil. With top ratings of 98 points (James Suckling) and 96 points (Robert Parker), it is at the absolute top of its class.

• Drinking maturity:

  • Already accessible now, but still very young and partially closed

  • Recommended drinking window: 2022-2035 (James Suckling) to 2040 (Best of Wines)

  • Requires decanting time of approx. 45 minutes

• Serving recommendation: Serve chilled at 8-12 °C

• Food recommendation:

  • Rich fish dishes (lobster, scallops, grilled swordfish)

  • Garlic-marinated chicken, veal chops

  • Also ideal with Asian cuisine with exotic spices

Conclusion:The Morstein GG 2018 is a wine for collectors and lovers of great German Rieslings. Due to its limited availability and outstanding reviews, it is already a coveted rarity. Anyone who can get hold of a bottle should be patient - it will develop its full potential in the coming years.