“Barrel X” is winemaker Florian Lauer’s Platonic ideal of what a slightly off-dry (feinherb) Saar Riesling should be. If we were in Burgundy, this would be the equivalent of a “Bourgogne Blanc.” As an appellation-level wine, it is sourced from multiple vineyards in four different villages of the Saar: Ayl (Lauer’s home village), Saarburg, Wawern and Wiltingen. Florian says, “From Ayl and Wawern, the wine gains the fruit and power, from Saarburg the racy acidity, and from Wiltingen, the spice.”
Regardless of what comes from where, this much is certain: dollar for dollar, I’m not sure there is a 750ml bottle that delivers as much joy and zing. This is the gateway drug to Lauer, to the Saar, to Riesling… be careful. Very addictive.
Color The color of amber rum, with glints of mahogany.Taste In the mature taste of rum traceable shades of cream, cocoa, and vanilla. The finish is long, silk
Cane Origin: Java varietal Santa Maria Tlalixtac, Oaxaca 2,500-3,800 feet above sea level
Fermentation: 5-10 days in stainless steel tanks with ambient yeast
Distillation: By Axel and William Krassel in September 2021 on an 8-plate column still
Aging: 24 months in an ex-Bourbon cask in a humid climate, 9% angel’s share