J.B. Becker Wallufer Walkenberg Riesling Spatlese Trocken Alte Reben 2018

Winery Background and History:

J.B. Becker is a family-run estate in Walluf, Rheingau, with origins in the 1870s and revived under Hans-Joseph “HaJo” Becker from the 1970s. It’s renowned for organic, minimal-intervention viticulture and producing benchmark Rieslings that balance intensity with finesse and exceptional aging ability  .

Producer and Wine Maker:

HaJo Becker personally oversees all stages—from hand-harvested old vines to fermentation with indigenous yeasts—in pressurized tanks. Wines are matured in large traditional barrels, emphasizing purity and long-term structure  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The Walkenberg vineyard is steep and slate-rich, south-facing with optimal drainage. The 2018 vintage—warm and ripe—yielded concentrated fruit, ideal for crafting a deeply structured, precise Riesling  .

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes undergo gentle pressing and fermentation in pressurized tanks as a dry Spätlese. The wine is aged approximately 24 months in large, old oak barrels before bottling under screw cap to preserve clarity and texture ().

Tasting Notes:

Pale straw color; powerful, linear, austere yet complex. Aromas of ripe stone fruit, citrus, saline minerality, honeyed notes, and slate. Sharp acidity provides structure and a long, vibrant finish. Critics highlight its depth, force, structure, and age-worthy backbone  .

Food & Wine Pairing:

Perfect with seafood, sushi, shellfish, light curries, pork, poultry, creamy cheeses, and mildly spicy dishes. Its bright acidity and minerality elevate fresh and creamy flavors.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve chilled at 8–10 °C in a medium-sized white wine glass. No decanting required; cooler serving emphasizes freshness and complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Outstanding aging potential: cellarable for 15+ years. With time it will develop tertiary notes like petrol, honey, and rich minerality while maintaining vibrant acidity  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Riesling 100 %

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

Approx. 11.5 % (typical for this style, 10–13 %) ()

Scores:

– Wine Advocate: 92 points ()