2016 Dr. Von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Jesuitengarten Riesling GG

• Dynastic German Producer
• VDP Founding Member
• Historic Single vineyard, Impossibly Steep Terrace
• Organically Farmed Vineyards
• Top of the Pyramid for Dry Riesling - Grand Cru
• BHW has the Lowest Price Anywhere!
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

The history of the Bassermann-Jordan winery is one that is intertwined with the history of winemaking in Pfalz. Along with other passionate producers in the region, each generation of the Jordan family established and greatly influenced quality-based viticulture in Germany over the past 300 years. In 1718, Pierre Jordan purchased the family's first vineyards in Pfalz, while Johann-Peter Jordan built the winery in Deidesheim sixty-five years later. Around the turn of the century, Andreas Jordan elevated quality winemaking in Pfalz by becoming one of the first growers in the area to plant single varieties by vineyard and was also one of the first winemakers to vinify each vineyard separately. A marriage between the Bassermann and Jordan families added the name Bassermann to the winery in 1883. Bassermann-Jordan is one of the founding members of the VDP, Germany's top organization to ensure quality wine.

In 1995 the last male member of the Bassermann-Jordan family passed away and in 2002 the remaining heirs decided to sell the winery. Today, the estate is owned by the Niederberger family, with the well-respected winemaker Ulrich Mell leading the charge in the cellar and Gunther Hauck managing the winery. Both are committed to upholding Bassermann-Jordan's reputation for quality winemaking in Pfalz.

Bassermann-Jordan property holdings include some of the most notable winegrowing sites in the Pfalz region of Germany. Their vineyard locations in Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg cover more than 49 hectares and include 20 different single vineyards. One-third are top-rated Grand Cru vineyards such as Hohenmorgen, Pechstein, and Jesuitengarten. The vineyards are organically farmed without the use of chemical pesticides. These days, the historic Bassermann-Jordan wine cellars in Deidesheim still specialize in the traditional aging of wines in wooden casks. Only recently has stainless steel been used for fermentation and further refining of young Rieslings. As a rule, Mell believes in gentle, spontaneous fermentation without artificial additives. The precious liquid then matures gently on the lees in the winery's and later in bottles in the century-old sandstone vaults.

Aging: After fermentation, the wine rests on the lees for 10 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes

 100% Riesling. A rich and full-bodied Riesling with flavors of yellow peach, pear, and wet stone. On the palate, the wine is structured with balanced acidity, lively minerality, and a long, luscious finish.

Critical Reviews

The Jesuitengarten vineyard, previously owned by a Jesuit monastery, was acquired by the Jordan family in 1793. It is one of the top sites in Pfalz, boasting soil which is absolutely crammed with minerals. The grapes are hand-harvested in several 'tries', and the must is given time to settle naturally. Wild yeasts trigger fermentation, after which the wine matures on its lees, undergoing regular battonage. Gearoid Devaney MS: Fresh and floral, the palate has sweet fruit flavors of peach and ripe pear, with good acid and texture. It's harmonious and complex, with a long finish. Anne Krebiehl MW: There's a slightly tropical overtone, with tons of lemon at the core. It's taut and clean, with some texture and a hint of creamy richness. Austere, but so promising. Sebastian Thomas: Very pure, juicy, and fine. There is bright acidity alongside smooth, ripe citrus and tropical fruit, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Plenty of power and elegance, with lots of energy. ~95 Wine Enthusiast, Top Wines from 2018 Tasting Panel

Because this is still slightly funky (reduction) the pear and citrus notes are rather shy, but when they emerge after some aeration they're fine. On the palate, this is already a very elegant wine with a long, rather polished finish. Drink or hold. ~94 James Suckling

A well-concentrated, dry Riesling, featuring ripe nectarine and quince flavors and a mineral core, knit into a multilayered texture. Expressive despite its youth, this shows balance, with powerful acidity and savory mineral details carrying through. Picks up a ginger spice note on the lingering finish. Best from 2019 through 2031. 167 cases made, 10 cases imported. ~94 Wine Spectator

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