2020 Clemens Busch Marienburg Rothenpfad Riesling Grosses Gewachs

Clemens and Rita Busch are one of the pioneering organic, and now biodynamic, producers working in Germany. As the fifth generation winemaker at this estate, Clemens stopped using herbicides in 1976, then in 1984 he and wife Rita converted to organics. They were among the first in Germany to commit to organic viticulture and led the movement establishing an association of organic growers in 1986. The estate converted to biodynamics entirely in 2005, earning certifications from the EU and Respekt-Biodyn.

Based in Pünderich, almost all of the vines they work are on the slopes of the Marienburg, and unique for the Mosel, feature parcels planted on the three main colours of slate; blue, red, and grey. In the winery Clemens works with wild yeasts, and ferments mostly in very old 1000-litre barrels. Nothing is added to the wines at any stage, apart from a touch of sulphur at bottling. Most of the wines at the Busch estate are vinified dry, and they are rich, complex and often powerful. They age very beautifully, gaining in complexity and texture. However, the sweet and noble sweet wines from the estate are also impressive, ranking among the finest wines made anywhere on the Mosel.

Other Reviews....
The 2020 Marienburg GG Rothenpfad is deep, pure and intense on the complex and refined, peppery, crunchy slate and herbal nose that reveals ripe and finely concentrated tropical fruit with finely phenolic aromas. Full-bodied and lush on the palate, this is a rich, crystalline and savory, very elegant and refined dry Riesling with a long and complex, very well-balanced finish. Tasted in July 2022. Drink 2025 - 2050.
96 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Aug 2022)

Dramatic nose with a complex tapestry of dried-herb and wild-berry aromas that already make a very serious statement. Enormously expressive, with a stunning interplay of fruit, spice (cardamon!) and minerality, this is both deep and delightful. The balance spot-on at the very long, tannic yet silky finish. And only 12% alcohol! From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.
96 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com

The 2020er Marienburg Rothenpfad GG, as it is referred to on the main part of the label, was fermented spontaneously in traditional oak casks from fruit harvested in an iron-rich part of the Marienburg vineyard. It offers a great nose made of pear, vineyard peach, strawberry, laurel, cinnamon, and fine smoky elements. The wine proves impeccably balanced on the dry but not bone-dry palate. A ripe sense of zest provides the right structure for the elegant and playful flavors of fruits and spices right into the juicy finish. This is a gorgeous dry Riesling in the making, especially as it reveals all its charm with age. Drink 2026-2040.
92+ points
Jean Fisch & David Rayer - Mosel Fine Wines