The 2016 Reichsrat von Buhl Forster Ungeheuer Riesling Trocken is a magnificent dry Riesling from one of Germany’s most historic estates and one of the Pfalz’s most celebrated vineyards. Produced by Weingut Reichsrat von Buhl, this wine comes from the legendary Forster Ungeheuer vineyard, a VDP Große Lage famous for its basalt- and limestone-rich soils that produce Rieslings of exceptional power, minerality and longevity. The outstanding 2016 vintage is regarded as one of the strongest recent vintages in Germany, delivering wines of remarkable concentration, vibrant acidity and outstanding ageing potential. The dry Trocken style allows the extraordinary terroir of Ungeheuer to take centre stage.
The nose is intensely expressive and beautifully layered, revealing aromas of ripe yellow peach, apricot and preserved lemon alongside lime blossom, white flowers and citrus oil. As the wine opens, notes of dried herbs, aniseed and clove emerge, complemented by hints of wet stone, flint and smoky basalt minerality. The aromatic profile is rich yet remarkably precise, balancing generous fruit with savoury complexity and the unmistakable mineral signature of the Ungeheuer vineyard.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with exceptional concentration, vibrant natural acidity and remarkable mineral drive. Layers of citrus, ripe orchard fruits and stone fruits unfold seamlessly across the palate, supported by a powerful backbone of crushed stone and saline minerality. The 2016 vintage provides impressive fruit generosity and texture, yet the wine remains focused and energetic, with outstanding tension carrying through to a long, dry and persistent finish. Notes of lemon peel, grapefruit, herbs and flint linger beautifully, while the wine's structure suggests many years of graceful evolution ahead. The style is powerful, dry and terroir-driven, combining the richness of the Pfalz with the precision expected from one of Germany’s great Grosses Gewächs-style vineyard sites.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for collectors and lovers of world-class dry Riesling. Compared to the lighter, more delicate Saar or Mosel styles, Forster Ungeheuer offers greater concentration, texture and mineral intensity while maintaining remarkable freshness and precision. It stands comfortably alongside Germany’s finest dry Rieslings and will particularly appeal to drinkers of Grand Cru Chablis, top white Burgundy and premium Austrian Riesling. Now with several years of bottle age, the 2016 is beginning to reveal subtle secondary complexity while still retaining vibrant fruit and energy. Drink now with 30–60 minutes of aeration or cellar confidently through to 2038–2045. Perfect with lobster, scallops, turbot, grilled prawns, roast pork, sushi, spicy Asian cuisine or aged Comté.
