Battenfeld-Spanier Riesling Rheinhessen CO Liquid Earth 2020

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."

Not yet reviewed; 2019 vintage rated 99 points by Anne Krebiehl, MW (Vinous): "The 2019 Riesling CO Steinlinden Liquid Earth is the first wine in the Liquid Earth series that can be named after its parcel, namely Steinlinden. The lifted nose radiates chalk and lemon oil. The palate plunges right into that chalkiness with texture, absolute focus, linearity and inherent coolness. Pristine lemon oil finesse defines exquisitely ripe, radiant fruit. Very streamlined and precise, this is statuesque in its bearing—taut, smooth and utterly mouthwatering. This has only begun to hit its stride and is just on the cusp of development, promising decades, not just years, of enjoyment. (Bone-dry) Drink: 2028-2060."