Freiherr Langwerth von Simmern - Hattenheimer Nußbrunnen Riesling Edelbeerenauslese Cabinet 1964 375ml

Tasting note: Freiherr Langwerth von Simmern - Hattenheimer Nußbrunnen Riesling Edelbeerenauslese 1964

(Rheingau, Germany)

Optics

Deep amber colour with golden reflections and a slight orange tint on the rim. Clear brilliance despite its age, reveals a noble oxidation. The viscous "tears" on the glass wall bear witness to the concentrated sweetness. Fine sediment crystals - a sign of natural ageing.

Nose

A bouquet of overwhelming complexity and depth, characterised by decades of bottle ageing:

• Tertiary aromas: dried apricots, honeycomb, boiled quinces and a pinch of old parchment.

• Minerality: Flint and damp slate, typical of the Nußbrunnen terroir.

• Traces of botrytis: noble mushroom spice, saffron and a delicate hint of smoke.

• Oxidative accents: caramelised almonds, walnut oil and an elegant leather touch.

Palate

A testimony of rare elegance and density:

• Sweetness & fruit: opulent jams of dates, candied citrus and honeydew melon, carried by a residual sugar that has developed into an almost salty-mineral depth.

• Acidity & structure: The acidity typical of the Rheingau is still surprisingly present - it cuts through the sweetness like a velvet knife and lends freshness.

• Texture: Heavy yet floaty, with an oily-silky mouthfill and a hint of bitter orange bitterness on the finish.

Finish

Eternally long and meditative. Notes of roasted hazelnut flour, dried ginger and a mineral saltiness reminiscent of the slate soils of the nut well are dominant. The finish ends with a gentle bitterness reminiscent of green tea and grapefruit peel.

Overall rating

A Riesling of the century that combines the essence of the Rheingau and the magic of the 1964 vintage. The Edelbeerenauslese - a rarity even among Prädikat wines - shows its unrivalled longevity here. Despite its sweet opulence, the wine remains radiantly lively, almost youthful, thanks to its acidity. The botrytis lends it an exotic flavour without masking the mineral precision of the terroir.

Drinking window: At its peak, but still with decades of potential - a wine that transcends time and space.
Recommendation: Do not decant! Serve at 8-10°C with gorgonzola dolce, foie gras or on its own as a contemplation wine.

Note: Such a piece of wine history requires immaculate storage. With its provenance intact, this Riesling is a "liquid monument" to German wine culture. 🍷⏳

The Nußbrunnen, one of the legendary Rheingau vineyards, proves here why Riesling is one of the greatest white wines in the world: Time is its best ally.