Description / Reviews
"The 2024 Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is a profound expression of what is widelyregarded as the Nahe’s greatest vineyard. This legendary site, consistently recognised as the highest-rated vineyard in the Nahe, occupies a dramatic south-facing amphitheatre overlooking the Nahe River. Its complex mosaic of weathered grey slate, volcanic rock and limestone inclusions creates the perfect conditions for producing Rieslings of extraordinary depth, finesse and longevity. The vines, some up to 65 years old, yield a modest 40 hl/ha, concentrating flavour and site character in every berry. In the frost-affected 2024 vintage, dramatically reduced yields have further heightened the wine’s intensity and precision, resulting in a Grosses Gewächs of exceptional pedigree and site transparency.
The fruit is harvested entirely by hand, with multiple passes through the vineyard ensuring only the finest bunches are selected. Following a meticulous harvest, the must is fermented before maturation in a combination of stainless steel vats and traditional oak casks, a hallmark of the Dönnhoff philosophy that preserves purity while adding subtle texture and complexity.
The nose is remarkably detailed and layered, opening with aromas of white peach, ripe lemon, tangerine and peach blossom, intertwined with notes of fresh herbs, anise, wet stone and delicate smoky reduction. As it unfolds in the glass, subtle floral and mineral nuances emerge, revealing the extraordinary complexity for which Hermannshöhle is celebrated. The palate is simultaneously powerful and weightless, delivering waves of citrus and stone fruit wrapped around a core of crystalline minerality and vibrant acidity. Despite the intensity of the vintage, there is an effortless grace to the wine, with immense concentration carried by a finely etched structure and remarkable energy.
What sets Hermannshöhle apart is its extraordinary balance of power and finesse. The wine builds slowly across the palate, revealing layers of slate, citrus oil, crushed rock and saline minerality before finishing with breathtaking length and precision. Regal yet restrained, this Riesling boasts immense pedigree and longevity, destined to evolve gracefully for decades. A benchmark Grosses Gewächs and one of the standout wines of the 2024 German vintage, it perfectly captures the elegance, tension and quiet authority that have made Hermannshöhle a reference point for great dry Riesling worldwide." - Weingut Dönnhoff
A masterpiece of power and elegance that has incredible lightness, yet with fantastic power in the finish. I love the delicate peach and peach blossom aromas. This carries the high acidity of the vintage beautifully, but your patience will be rewarded. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold. - 98 Points, Stuart Pigott, James Suckling
The 2024 Hermannshöhle GG Niederhäuser Riesling begins with a wonderfully delicate nose of ripe but refined fruit and notes of weathered rock with subtle slate tones. Dense, tightly knit and powerful on the palate, this is undoubtedly a complex Riesling but still somewhat undeveloped, as the Hermannshöhle is always a late bloomer. The finish is complex and long-lasting but currently still a little sharp due to the sulfur dose." - 94+ Points, Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate
The 2024 Riesling Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Grosses Gewächs is from vines planted in 1949 on shale with some calcareous inclusions. Just 1,500 kg per hectare were harvested, about 8% less than usual. This is already luminous, even as barrel sample, with sumptuousness, poise and grace. A ripe lemon juice note flows and stays the course in a straight line, taking over and filling out the mouth and mind. Its exquisite ripeness is depicted in the most svelte shape with crystalline clarity. (Bone-dry)" - 95–97 Points, Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
