Battenfeld-Spanier Riesling Rheinhessen CO Liquid Earth 2020

99 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Vinous): "The 2020 Riesling CO Steinlinden Liquid Earth speaks of soil and deep limestone. Fruit takes second place on the nose of cool, earthy stone, with just a fringe of lemon. Yes, this is now five years old, but its evolution seems suspended in that cooling, profound freshness. The texture is chalky and has barely begun to evolve. The only thing that is obvious here is the limestone character and depth. The 2020 is anchored in stone and eternal lift with a savor that echoes long, making you want to take another sip. (Bone-dry) Drink: 2025-2065. (Jul 2025)"

96 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "Smoky, toasty and pithy, this extremely concentrated dry riesling has very impressive depth without feeling heavy. The petrol note will delight some and deter others, but it is very well integrated into the well-rounded, medium-bodied palate. Long, stony finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. (8/18/25)"

Producer notes: "C.O. was originally conceived in 2005 as a wedding wine for the owners: Carolin and H.O. Spanier. It is now stored each year in the aging cellar as a Family Réserve. This cuvée comes from the craggiest section of the Zellertal, situated between Frauenberg GC and Schwarzer Herrgott GC, and is sourced from a selection of the oldest vines and finest parcels. All parcels are sustainably cultivated: organic certified, bio-dynamic, dry farming. The wine is full of salinity, stone, limestone and mineral spice – like a monolith that time itself has carved into a sculpture. The effect is one of drinking pure stone, hence the 'LIQUID EARTH BY H.O.' moniker. Less than 2,000 bottles produced."