2020 Max Ferdinand Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett

Weingut Max Ferdinand Richter produces world-class Rieslings from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the Mosel, and all production comes from estate holdings. The terroir of their steep vineyard sites is generally grey slate with different compositions of ferruginous (Brauneberg), mineral quartz (Veldenz) or clay (Graach, Wehlen, Mülheim) soils; those deeply influence character and flavour of the wines. In order to reduce quantity and increase concentration, pruning is severe and in prolific years a green harvest is carried out in August. The vintage is picked much later than that of most growers and is done entirely by hand. Three passes are done to select the best qualities to eliminate all inferior grapes and to keep perfect botrytis bunches or single berries for Auslese qualities and above. The same attention is paid to all vines from the QBAs on up through the Eisweins.

Other Reviews....
From predominantly 80+-year-old vines cultivated in the lower and upper part of the slope and therefore partly (25%) harvested four weeks apart, the 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett offers the typically pure and mineral, salty and stony notes of the famous WSU that already comes as an uncompromisingly pure and flinty, citric-scented wine of remarkable complexity and tension on the nose. The palate starts fresh and piquant, very nervy and vital, with lots of salt and lingering mineral tension. In the end, there is nothing of the generous, luscious character of the WSU but all the purity, tension and salinity. This is a complex and exciting long-distance runner that will always fascinate but even more so in eight to 10 years. The 2020 was aged in casks and steel (50/50) and is a true classic that is far apart from most of the Kabinetts from this marvelous terroir. This is, again, a Must Buy of the vintage. Bottled with 7.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted from AP 1921 in November 1121. Drink 2030 - 2070.
96 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Dec 2021)

A fabulous Kabinett with all the floral finesse for which this site is famous. Real concentration married to wonderful delicacy. So much peachy fruit, but not a jot too loud. Very long, energetic yet silky finish. From at least 80-year-old vines. Drink or hold.
95 points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.com

The 2020er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett was made from fruit picked at 78° Oechsle on up to 100-year-old un-grafted vines and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (48 g/l). It offers a superb nose made of white flower, smoky elements, herbs, white flowers, and fine spices. The wine is subtly creamy yet so incredibly light-footed on the palate. Loads of minerals, floral flavors, and finely spicy elements add to the incredibly playful presence. The finish is airy, intense, and incredibly long. What a massive success! Drink 2030-2045.
94 points
Jean Fisch & David Rayer - Mosel Fine Wines