2012 Bopparder Hamm Feuerlay Riesling Spatlese

Five years ago, I would have placed any bet on Florian Weingart to take the pole position on the Mittelrhein. Both a purist and a perfectionist, he is also a bit eccentric. However interesting some of his individual rieslings were in recent years, there were always a few pieces missing in the puzzle.Vintage 2012, although not yet quite where I expect this estate to be in another five years, is closer to the mark. The two kabinetts portrayed here were exquisite--and his dry rieslings have better balance than they have shown in the recent past. This is clearly an estate with the potential to compete at a higher level. (www.weingut-weingart.de) Also recommended: 2012 Bacharacher Matthias Weingarten Riesling Kabinett Trocken (86), 2012 Bopparder Hamm Ohlenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken (86), 2012 Bopparder Hamm Feuerlay Riesling Spatlese Trocken (87), 2012 Spayer Riesling Spatlese Feinherb (86), 2012 Bopparder Hamm Ohlenberg Riesling Kabinett (87), 2012 Bopparder Hamm Engelstein Riesling Spatlese (88). Other wines tasted: 2012 Riesling Halbtrocken, 2011 Spayer Spatburgunder Spatlese Trocken.