2025 Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Riesling Grosses Gewächs

For over 100 years, the Hermannshöhle has been revered as the Nahe‘s top-ranked site and the benchmark by which all other vineyards in the region are judged. It takes its name from a small mine, or “Höhle”, in the middle of the hillside. “Hermann” is derived from Hermes, the Roman god of messengers and travelers, and the name likely hints at an ancient place of worship once located here. This site faces due south and lies 130 –175 m above sea level. Its soils are primarily blackish gray slate mixed with extrusive igneous rock, porphyry, and limestone. For generations, this marvelous site has shaped our expectations for what fine wines from the Nahe can achieve.

A perfect, steep southern slope with soils consisting of blackish-grey slate and volcanic elements, extremely rich in minerals. The stuff of legends, for over 100 years this has been the most lauded site in the entire Nahe wine-growing region.

Vinous 97-99 Points: “The 2025 Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is from vines that share a birth year with Helmut Dönnhoff, i.e. 1949. They are rooted in shale. Only very slight flint accompanies the luminous lemon that becomes even more concentrated and clean-cut on the stony palate. This is utter zestiness, like a well of freshness, a source of light, a measure of purity and clarity. It is ultra-crystalline, ultra-straight, ultra-steely, ultra-delicious.” Anne Krebiehl MW