From: Mosel, Germany
Varietal: Riesling
Taste & Critical Acclaim: "The 2023 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett #3 opens with a clear and coolish, very precise and flinty as well as vegetal bouquet of dark, crushed slate. Very elegant and mouthwatering on the palate, with lively, mineral acidity and stimulating salinity, this is an almost dry-tasting Domprobst Kabinett due to its continuous mineral character and grippy phenols. The wine is full of finesse yet still discreet in its hedonistic compounds. The Domprobst is the aristocrat of the Mosel Kabinett world yet also offers a certain charm. Very subtle and long, this will be a classic in a decade, especially when served with very fine dishes. 7.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in August 2024 from AP 3 24 (thus the #3 on the label). Drink: 2030-2060. (Oct 2024)” 96 points, Stephen Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
"(03 24) The 2023er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett is a fruity-styled wine which proves really reserved and almost non-saying at first, with only faint scents of fine smoke and almond cream and needs quite some time to develop a very refined and elegant nose of anise, jasmine, white flowers, cassis, lavender, and earthy spices. The wine reveals more on the palate, where intense yellow and zesty fruits come through and give it a superbly playful and animating side. The finish is very long, still compact and in need of integration. The density is quite superb, and the wine proves both intense and focused. The length in the aftertaste is stunning and mouthwatering. This great Kabinett needs a good decade to fully deliver. 2033-2053. (Jun 2024)” 95 points, Mosel Fine Wines
Pairing: German classics like Bavarian Sausage (like Weißwurst) with sweet mustard and a pretzel are complemented by the wine’s bright acidity. At the same time, pork schnitzel with lemon and capers finds harmony in its citrus notes. Rheinischer Sauerbraten, with its tangy-sweet gravy, pairs beautifully with the Riesling’s fruity and zesty profile. Seafood dishes are equally well-matched. Seared scallops with lemon butter are enhanced by the wine’s salinity and freshness and grilled branzino with herbs aligns with its citrus and herbal notes. Shrimp ceviche with mango and lime finds a playful balance in the Riesling’s tropical fruit and lively acidity. Other great pairings include Thai green curry, where the wine’s subtle sweetness tempers spice and its minerality complements coconut milk, and Alsatian tarte flambée, where the Riesling’s vibrant acidity lifts the creamy base and smoky bacon.
Green Curry Glazed Tofu
By Ali Slagle
About: The Willi Schaefer winery stands as one of Germany's most revered producers, celebrated for its ethereal Rieslings that epitomize the finesse and precision of the Mosel region. The Schaefer family has cultivated vineyards in Graach since 1121, a lineage that makes their estate one of the oldest and most storied in the area. This small, family-run winery remains dedicated exclusively to Riesling, crafting wines that resonate deeply with collectors, connoisseurs, and fellow winemakers.
Since 1973, Willi Schaefer has helmed the estate, drawing on centuries of family knowledge to produce wines of extraordinary purity and elegance. Joined by his son Christoph, the duo embodies a philosophy in tradition and instinct, emphasizing minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar. Their approach honors the terroir of two of the Mosel's most distinguished vineyards: Graacher Domprobst and Graacher Himmelreich, both classified as Grosse Lagen (Grand Cru equivalent). These near-vertical slopes of blue-grey Devonian slate capture the terroir of the Mittel Mosel, producing Rieslings that are simultaneously intense and delicate.