2020 Georg Breuer Pfaffenwies Riesling

Georg Breuer estate was founded in 1880 as part of a wine merchant company, and has been owned by the Breuer family since the beginning of the 20th century. Georg Breuer enlarged the estate and increased the export of wines. His sons Bernhard and Heinrich and later Bernhard’s daughter Theresa expanded the vineyard size to 40 hectares in the best Rüdesheim, Rauenthal and Lorch sites. Theresa Breuer was thrust into the business after the sudden passing of her father in 2004, and through tireless work and dedication is now one of the most respected winemaking forces in Germany. The estate's focus is on top dry Riesling wines from the unique terroir of the Rheingau valley, and Breuer's flagship crus are Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg and the 12.5-acre monopole, Rauenthal Nonnenberg.

The vineyard site Pfaffenwies was initially mentioned as ‘pafenwies’ in documents from 1211, and later as ‘pfaffenwissen’ (1235). It was named after Pastor Dydo, also known as ‘Pfaffe’. This steep site has a gradient of up to 45% and is situated between 90 to 160m above sea level. The soil is a combination of stony Hunsrück slate and Taunus quartzite, with loess in the lower parts. Riesling from this area is characterised by great elegance as well as pronounced acidity and minerality.

Other Reviews....
The 2020 Pfaffenwies is sourced in the upper and lower plots of the cru, whereas in 2019, it was sourced just in the lower vineyards and the top section as well as the younger middle part went into the Terra Montosa. The bouquet is fascinating in its slatey/flinty purity and lemon-scented intensity with just a hint of oak. Vinified in oak like the Montosa, this is a full-bodied, pure, fresh and mineral Pfaffenwies with power, salt and grip and enormous length and complexity. Power and texture meet grip and salinity here, and although the 2020 is still a baby, it is highly promising. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in July 2022. Drink 2025 - 2045.
94 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Aug 2022)

Full and vibrant red-apple and fresh-herb nose, then a powerful but sleek and tightly wound palate with major minerality. Needs some time to unwind, but excellent structure. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.
94 points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.com