Georg Albrecht Schneider Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Spatlese (2022)

The steep Hipping vineyard, known as the red slope, der roter Hang, is rated as one of the best in Germany, producing Riesling with spicy mineral flavors, exotic and pronounced ripe fruit with excellent maturing potential as the site sometimes produces a wine that is slow to show its true promise. The slope itself is warmed by the early morning sunshine and the red sandstone soil retains the warmth. The proximity to the Rhine protects the foliage from early fall cold nights and allows for a long growing season.

Hints of pine frond, earth and smoke entice on the nose of this unusual, remarkably well-priced Riesling. Semi-sweet in style, it’s rich and creamy on the palate with luscious peach and grapefruit flavors. It’s surprising nuanced too, exposing layers of steel, crushed mineral and acid that meld beautifully through a long finish.