LudesRiesling Ritsch Spätlese “Speyer” 2023 (750ml)

All the Ludes wines are time machines to a cooler world. This is a fun introduction from Mosel Fine Wines: “Julian Ludes completely nailed the vintage and the estate’s collection will go down in history as one of the finest at this traditional winery. The uncompromising style embracing acidity and finesse delivered wines of great vibrancy and cut yet with great aromatic depth, and this right from the entry level wine, the Riesling “Hermann.” In many ways, they are all cut from a hypothetical blend of Joh. Joh. Prüm’s early backwardness and Hofgut Falkenstein”s zing while embracing the delicacy and finesse from both estates. While these wines are exceptionally good, they are also exceptionally old-school and still often firmly marked by residual scents from their spontaneous fermentation. But we cannot wait to taste these beauties in 8-12 years: It is going to be a feast! Bravo to young Julian and his team for this incredible collection.”

This is an old-school Spätlesen, with a brisk and polished mid-palate of high-toned citrus and stone fruit, a vivid and perfumed florality and such great minerality. This is an energetic, lifted, curvy and structured wine you can drink with a main course. This is a Spätlese for people who always say, “I don’t really drink Spätlese.” You might well now.