The Rieslings of Egon Muller are some of the most esteemed in all of Germany. The Scharzhof is a stunning blend of multiple sites in the Saar river tributary of the Mosel and acts as the “entry level” offering to the thrilling and age worthy lineup the estate produces. The 2023 clocks in at 8.5% alcohol and contains about 45 grams of residual sugar. The nose stuns with petrol, dried lime blossom, green apple, peach, and river stones. Far from cloying, the sugar is deftly balanced by enthralling acidity acting as a laser of slate that cuts through the pure flavors of green apple, lime, white peach, and melon. The finish is long and juicy with stone-y precision. While this will no doubt benefit from extended aging in the cellar it is so pitch perfect in its infancy that it’s hard to keep one’s hands off of it for early enjoyment. Farmed sustainably.