Fritz Haag

“The historic Fritz Haag wine estate is located in the heart of the central Mosel River Valley. The earliest documentation of the estate dates back to 1605. At that time, the village in which it is situated was known as ‘Dusemond.’ In 1925, this village was renamed ‘Brauneberg’ (‘brown mountain,’ a reference to the color of the slate soil in this area of the Mosel) in an endeavour to further promote the reputation of its world-renowned vineyards ‘Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr’ and ‘Brauneberg Juffer.’

The name of the famous vineyards ‘Juffer,’ which translates as ‘old maid’ or ‘virgin’ in the local dialect, goes back to 1790. The proprietor of these exceptional vineyard slopes at the time, the aristocratic Kurpfälzische Kammerherr Wunderlich, had three daughters who all remained unmarried and lived the lives of spinsters. As a consequence, when they took over the vineyard management from their father, the name ‘Brauneberger Juffer’ was born and the wines soon became well-known and famed in the wine world. The vineyards are recognised as true pearls of the Mosel region and were treasured even by Napoleon.

For many years, the Fritz Haag wine estate was successfully headed by the endlessly energetic Wilhelm Haag, and achieved, under his guidance a world-renowned reputation. Wilhelm Haag was the first to win the acclaim ‘winemaker of the year,’ a highly coveted accolade introduced in 1994 by the famous Gault Millau Wineguide. Since 2005, son Oliver has taken over the reins and has joined his successful father in leading the estate into the future.

The Fritz Haag estate owns 18.5ha of vineyards which are all exclusively planted with Riesling. The excellent micro-climate and the deep slate soils of the Brauneberger Juffer slope form the basis for some of the most intensely flavored and elegantly-structured Riesling wines of the Mosel region. Oliver Haag, the current proprietor, rigorously selects the clones most suited to the microclimate of his vineyards in order to achieve the maximum potential in the grapes. As a winemaker, Oliver’s skills are matched by few. His wines, which display a pleasing subtle colour, show a well-defined palate that reaches from honeysuckle to pears and apples. They are laced with citrus and underlying mineral tones, reflecting the brown slate vineyards of Brauneberg.

The Fritz Haag estate produces wines that cover the full style spectrum, starting from a dry style and ranging to lusciously sweet. A mineral ‘slate’ character and a pronounced and fruity acidity give the wines their elegant sophistication and their great aging potential. The estate’s graceful, well-refined Rieslings are rated as impressive examples of the finest wines the Mosel region has to offer.

PORTFOLIO OF SITES | VDP.GROSSE LAGE®

Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr
The crown jewel of the Brauneberg vineyards is the Juffer Sonnenuhr, whose 10.5 hectares are surrounded by the Juffer. These extremely steep vineyards, surrounded by cliffs, are lined with shallow vertical troughs that create a large concave mirror effect, storing the sun’s warmth as it strikes from every angle. Together with the extremely poor slate soil of the Brauneberg, they form a unique, sheltered microclimate that promotes elegant and ultra-fine Rieslings of notable minerality and international renown.

Brauneberger Juffer
The 32 hectare Brauneberger Juffer lies on the opposite bank of the Mosel from the town and is planted to Riesling. Its loose, weathered blue Devonian slate soil contains veins of iron oxide that give individual layers of the stone a light brown hue. This composition is more than just the source of the ‘Brauneberg’ name; it also lends this unique terroir its typical characteristics. These steep vineyards, with gradients reaching up to 80 %, give rise to delicate, finely fruity, and mineral wines.

Kestener Paulinshofberg
The Paulinshofberg site is the south-facing neighbor to the Juffer, on the right-hand side in the rocky part of the vineyard. Its soil runs somewhat deeper, with portions of fine clayey slate. The wine from this site radiates with minimalist precision, casting a web of cool minerality, red fruit and gentle herbal spice.

Monzeler Kätzchen
The old heart of the site holds a few classified parcels just above the classical part of the Kestener Paulinshofberg. The old vines in the site‘s finest lots are rooted deep in finely textured, stony slate soils, creating a highly elegant and mineral wine with aromas of yellow fruit underscored by floral nuances.

WINE NOTES AND REVIEWS

2023 Vintage

‘Oliver Haag finds a lot of quality in his 2023 vintage: “2023 is a very exciting vintage! The wines have superb fruit and are already very accessible. They have developed very nicely during maturation and right up to bottling. We'll see in ten years' time if it's a super great vintage, but in any case, I think it's a very fine year. We did pre-harvesting in all our vineyards, and often went to the best vineyards 3 times to do selective sorting by hand. Our harvesting team was even bigger than usual, with over 40 people. What I've noticed with the last few vintages is that every vintage is different, sometimes very different, we have to readjust our plan every time, and every day is different and requires us to adapt constantly. Still, it's been a ‘hardcore’ year, and a very trying and tiring one. The wines are not at all opulent, they are filigree and elegant and have a nice acidity. I really like them.”

Oliver Haag and his team have produced a very convincing collection, which perfectly reflects the vintage and its richer, fully fruited side. The wines are already very approachable in their youth, but we think that, in particular, the dry ones will benefit from a little ageing to integrate their elements on the palate. The Juffer GG is particularly successful, as is the off-dry Juffer in this segment. The great successes of the vintage are to be found in the fruity and sweet wines, particularly the Spätlese and Auslese bottlings. The Juffer-Sonnenuhr Auslese is a huge success.’ Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Juffer Grosses Lage Feinherb
Off-dry, this single vineyard wine is given some skin contact before natural yeast fermentation in varying proportions of 1000 litre oak fuders and stainless steel, followed by maturation on fine lees for several months.
12.0 % alc/vol, 7.8 g/L TA, 12.8 g/L RS.

‘A very elegant dry Mosel riesling with restrained, juicy white peach and crisp pear fruit plus stacks of dripping flowers and leaves (think of a garden after summer rain). Long, very clean, stony finish. Drink or hold. [2028-2038+].’ 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Monzeler Kätzchen Grosses Gewächs Trocken
The old heart of the site holds a few classified parcels just above the classical part of the Kestener Paulinshofberg. The old vines in the site‘s finest lots are rooted deep in finely textured, stony slate soils, creating a highly elegant and mineral wine with aromas of yellow fruit underscored by floral nuances. Fermented and matured in a mix of 1000 litre oak fuders and stainless steel.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.8 g/L TA, 4.7 g/L RS.

‘Cool and delicate with plenty of spicy and leesy complexity, this is barely medium-bodied but it’s well structured. A little bit simple in the finish for this category, but good length and harmony. Drink or hold. [2026-2036].’ 93 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Kestener Paulinshofberg Grosses Gewächs Trocken
The Paulinshofberg site is the south-facing neighbor to the Juffer, on the right-hand side in the rocky part of the vineyard. Its soil runs somewhat deeper, with portions of fine clayey slate. The wine from this site radiates with minimalist precision, casting a web of cool minerality, red fruit and gentle herbal spice. Fermented and matured in a mix of 1000 litre oak fuders and stainless steel.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.5 g/L TA, 4.9 g/L RS.

‘Complex aromas of licorice, sushi ginger and bergamot are wrapped around a firm, slatey core that gives this great linear drive on the sleek yet firmly structured medium-bodied palate. Long, firm and complete finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. [2030-2038].’ 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Grosses Gewächs Trocken
The 32 hectare Brauneberger Juffer lies on the opposite bank of the Mosel from the town and is planted to Riesling. Its loose, weathered blue Devonian slate soil contains veins of iron oxide that give individual layers of the stone a light brown hue. This composition is more than just the source of the ‘Brauneberg’ name; it also lends this unique terroir its typical characteristics. These steep vineyards, with gradients reaching up to 80 %, give rise to delicate, finely fruity, and mineral wines. This dry, single vineyard wine is given some skin contact before natural yeast fermentation in varying proportions of 1000 litre oak fuders and stainless steel, followed by maturation on fine lees for several months.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.4 g/L TA, 4.3 g/L RS.

‘Very youthful on the nose, the pear and quince aromas slowly opening up as the wine aerates. Enormous power and stony depth on the concentrated, compact but extremely bright medium-bodied palate. Wonderful forest floor and wet stone complexity in the very long finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. [2027-2033].’ 96 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Grosses Gewächs Trocken
The crown jewel of the Brauneberg vineyards is the Juffer- Sonnenuhr, whose 10.5 hectares are surrounded by the Juffer. These extremely steep vineyards, surrounded by cliffs, are lined with shallow vertical troughs that create a large concave mirror effect, storing the sun’s warmth as it strikes from every angle. Together with the extremely poor slate soil of the Brauneberg, they form a unique, sheltered microclimate that promotes elegant and ultra-fine Rieslings of notable minerality and international renown. This dry, single vineyard wine is given some skin contact before natural yeast fermentation in varying proportions of 1000 litre oak fuders and stainless steel, followed by maturation on fine lees for several months.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.1 g/L TA, 4.4 g/L RS.

‘All the floral beauty and filigree of this great site are packed into a sleek silhouette. Wonderfully racy and vibrant, this youthful dry Mosel masterpiece barely weighs in as medium-bodied, but is incredibly expressive. Then comes the amazingly long, deep and delicate wet stone finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. [2027-2033].’ 96 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett (screwcap) - Due August
Naturally sweet Kabinett, as only Mosel can do. Lithe and lovely with just a dash of spice and a bewitching sweetness, balanced with crystalline fruits. Marked with a distinctive smokiness that tells the story of the slate slopes in which it was grown. Fermented in stainless steel, to promote clarity and precision.
8.0 % alc/vol, 8.1 g/L TA, 45.5 g/L RS.

‘So elegant and refined in spite of the generous peach fruit, this has a freshness like the first days of spring as the first green grass and flowers appear. What a precise balance of racy acidity and floral delicacy this has on the pristine, light-bodied palate. Very focused and pure finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.’ 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

‘The Juffer 2023 Riesling Kabinett, as it is referred to on the consumer label, was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar. It shows a beautifully attractive and fresh nose of minty herbs, greengage, vineyard peach, almond, candied grapefruit, and minty herbs. The wine has juicy and intense ripe yellow fruits on the palate, which add a sense of smoothness and an almost Spätlese-styled presence. However, the finish proves playful and light weighted. The aftertaste is clean and pure. This fruit-driven Kabinett is superb and will need a couple of years to fully deliver. 2031-2043.’ 91 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Spätlese
The grapes for this wine come from the cooler, higher elevations of the Brauneberger Juffer, which have a fine acidity year after year. Gently pressed, spontaneously fermented and with a long fine yeast storage, the fruity Juffer Spätlese gives a maximum of pleasure for many years.
7.5 % alc/vol, 7.8 g/L TA, 83.0 g/L RS.

‘What a haunting beauty this fabulously elegant Spatlese is. The cool, slightly limey freshness exactly balances delicate grape sweetness. This lies right on the borderline of light-bodied and medium-bodied, but the way it does that and simultaneously walks the tightrope of sweetness and dryness is what makes this so exciting. Drink or hold [2033-2053].’ 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

‘The Juffer 2023 Riesling Spätlese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, offers a beautifully complex and elegant nose of fresh minty elements, candied lime, grapefruit, bergamot, verbena, lavender, and orange blossom. The wine is superbly juicy and delicately smooth on the comparatively light-weight yet complex palate. There is the typical whipped cream presence, which gives a lot of drinking pleasure as well as complexity. This combines charm and depth in a superb way. 2033-2053.’ 93 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Spätlese
The Juffer Sonnenuhr Spätlese always keeps what its name promises. Compared to the Juffer, which is characterized by cool fruit and ethereal, the Sonnenuhr Spätlese appears clearly warmer in its structure and sensory properties. Juicy body, ripe, playful exoticism and an expressive floral bouquet are the core elements of this wine. Gently pressed, spontaneously fermented and matured on fine lees for six months over winter.
7.5 % alc/vol, 7.7 g/L TA, 81.0 g/L RS.

‘The floral finesse and the minerally power of this great Mosel Spatlese are complemented by a wonderful Amalfi lemon and lime zest freshness that lights up the sky. The grape sweetness is so beautifully interwoven in all this. Extremely long and filigreed finish. Drink or hold. [2033-2053].’ 96 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

‘The Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2023 Riesling Spätlese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, has a beautifully attractive and elegant nose of almond cream, minty herbs, pineapple, William pear, bergamot, apricot, acacia, and thyme. The wine coats the palate with slightly honeyed, yellow fruits and develops a hugely creamy and smooth side. The velvety texture leaves a subtly exotic and ripe feel in the long and elegant finish. The fruit intensity already plays in the Auslese category, yet the finesse remains of Spätlese lightness. This creamy Spätlese is splendid. 2033-2053.’ 93 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Auslese
The wines from the Brauneberger Juffer are always light-footed, balanced, clear and elegant. They show aromas of ripe yellow stone fruits and a touch of exoticism, which are accompanied by a perfectly balanced interplay of sweetness and acidity.
7.5 % alc/vol, 7.8 g/L TA, 97.0 g/L RS.

‘At once rich and vibrant, this is extremely refreshing. Wonderful white peach, yellow apple and spring blossom aromas. Dangerously energetic on the elegant, medium-bodied palate. So clean and bright in the long, straight finish. Drink or hold. [2033-2053].’ 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

‘The Juffer 2023 Riesling Auslese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, displays a quite aromatic and attractive nose of honeyed yellow peach, almond, rose, candied grapefruit, anise, smoke, William pear, a whiff of candy floss, and acacia. The wine combines intensity and a certain lightness and freshness on the palate, as both ripe, yellow fruits (canned yellow peach, quince, and pear) interplay with fresher elements including mint and anise. The finish is pure and aromatic (tangerine, mango), and proves nicely focused, despite the richness at play. This is a superb, playful riper Auslese. 2033-2053.’ 94 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese
Mineral, fresh, concentrated and complex in the nose and on the palate without losing finesse and straightness. The fine exotic fruit, reminiscent of mirabelle plums, papaya and apricot nectar, is accompanied by juicy quince, flowers and a cool ethereal touch. The interplay of complexity, extract and a lively interplay of sweetness and acidity show the great potential of this selection from the Juffer Sonnenuhr.
7.5 % alc/vol, 7.9 g/L TA, 98.0 g/L RS.

‘This astonishing Auslese has incredible finesse and purity on the super-focused, medium-bodied palate. The floral dimension of the wine is very wide, and yet this aspect of the wine is also superfine. Not a hint of the honey that botrytis gives, but it didn’t need that to give it great concentration. Breathtakingly refreshing in the totally pristine finish. Drink or hold.’ 97 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

‘The Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2023 Riesling Auslese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, was made from clean grapes harvested on the oldest and partially und-grafted vines. It displays a super elegant and layered nose of white flowers, whipped almond cream, orange blossom, lavender, cinnamon, candied lime, and verbena. The wine is super refined and almost light-weighted in the palate, and only gradually reveals layers of complexity. The finish is superbly creamy and very long. This is an elegant and beautifully refined Auslese in the making. 2033-2073.’ 96 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2023 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese Gold Cap
Mineral, fresh, concentrated and complex in the nose and on the palate without losing finesse and straightness. The fine exotic fruit, reminiscent of mirabelle plums, papaya and apricot nectar, is accompanied by juicy quince, flowers and a cool ethereal touch. The interplay of complexity, extract and a lively interplay of sweetness and acidity show the great potential of this selection from the Juffer Sonnenuhr.
7.5 % alc/vol, 11.6 g/L TA, 141.0 g/L RS.

‘This rare high-end 2023 botrytis Auslese has a stunning combination of concentrated dried apricot and mango fruit, floral honey character and extremely vibrant acidity that keeps this super-fresh and straight on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Some may find the tension between those extremes too much at this early stage in the wine’s life, but that’s what this white raven is all about. Drinkable now, but best from 2027. [2033-2063].’ 98 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2024.

‘The Juffer-Sonnenuhr 2023 Riesling Auslese, as it is referred to on the consumer label and with a golden capsule, displays a highly concentrated and rich nose of passion fruit, tangerine, orange peel, pineapple, quince jelly, honey, cassis, blueberry, mirabelle, and may tree, all wrapped in a whiff of volatile which enhances the aromatics. The wine starts off on the fresh and lively side with ripe, juicy acidity, before showing more exotic fruits and concentration. The depth is impressive, and the combination of ripe, exotic fruits and lively acidity is very intense. There is also some clear BA presence as hints of oiliness and raisin come through. This is a super impressive, rich Auslese. 2033-2063.’ 96 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 74, December 2024.

2022 Vintage

In particular, I should mentioned how brilliantly his Grosses Gewächs bottlings showed in this vintage, as the inherent elegance that I referred to in the introductory remarks on the vintage are very much on display in the Haag family’s GGs this year. The especially refined and complex Juffer-Sonnenuhr Grosses Gewächs bottling had to be one of the finest dry Rieslings I tasted in preparation of this report! This is absolutely a great vintage for the estate! John Gilman, View from the Cellar, September 2024.

2022 proved a logic-defying vintage: Despite being born out of the hottest and driest summer ever, most of the resulting wines proved anything but from a hot vintage. They prove playful, light-footed, elegant, and very approachable. And still today, a few months on, the wines have kept their promise with just a touch of roundness sometimes coming through. Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 69, March 2024.

'The 2022 Fritz Haag collection will put an immense smile on lovers of the unique style of the Estate made of subtlety, elegance, finesse, and some freshness. All wines are superbly clear and packed with flavors (especially yellow fruits). The GGs are among the finest of the Estate’s history and in particular, the lesser-known Kätzchen proved almost beyond belief. In the fruity-styled and sweet portfolio, the Juffer-Sonnenuhr seems to have the edge over the Juffer in 2022, but not by much as shown by the otherworldly Juffer Auslese GK. The Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese and Auslese have this stunning succulence and delicacy which we love so much at this Estate. Even the Estate wines are stunning. What a great success! Finally, the 2021 BAs and TBAs are already now part of the Mosel legend and among the finest we have ever tasted.' Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

2022 Fritz Haag Riesling Feinherb (screwcap)
From the blue slate soils of the steep slopes of vineyards in Brauneberg and Mulheim. Short skin contact with gentle pressing.
11.0 % alc/vol, 8.1 g/L TA, 17.3 g/L RS.

‘A wonderfully youthful and joyfully aromatic Mosel riesling with all the floral charm we associate with the region. Barely off-dry with a freshness that makes you glad to be alive! Drink now. Screw cap.’ 91 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

2022 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Grosses Lage Feinherb
This off-dry single vineyard wine is given some skin contact before natural yeast fermentation in varying proportions of 1000 L oak barrels and stainless steel.
12.0 % alc/vol, 8.1 g/L TA, 11.5 g/L RS.

'Deep and succulent, ripe and cool, mineral, herbal and floral. Stunning concentration and elegance on the precisely contoured medium-bodied palate. The ripeness and slatey freshness are exactly matched at the very elegant finish. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Brauneberger Juffer Riesling, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is an off-dry wine (with 12 g/l of residual sugar) with a beautiful nose made of blackberry, cassis, citrusy elements, whipped cream, and smoke. The wine proves deep and yet remarkably focused on the dry tasting palate and leaves a nicely fruity and spicy feel in the long finish. The aftertaste is superbly airy and alluring. 2027-2042.' 92 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Monzeler Kätzchen Grosses Gewächs Trocken 2022
The old heart of the site holds a few classified parcels above the Paulinshofberg. The old vines in the site‘s finest lots are rooted deep in finely textured, stony slate soils, creating a highly elegant and mineral wine with aromas of yellow fruit underscored by floral nuances.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.6 g/L TA, 4.6 g/L RS.

'Wonderfully spicy and ethereal nose with plenty of white tree fruit aromas. Good substance and well-integrated structure on the medium-bodied palate. The spring-like freshness keeps this light on its feet through the long elegant finish. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Kätzchen Riesling Trocken GG, as it is referred to on the consumer label, comes from parcels planted with old vines situated in the steep and full-south-facing part of this vineyard situated just above the classical part of the Kestener Paulinshofberger. This cask sample offers a superb nose made of grapefruit puree, whipped cream, minerals, spices, and herbs. The wine offers a stunning feel of freshness and precision on the tart and spicy palate and leaves a glorious sensation of fresh fruits and herbal elements in the finish. A spicy side runs through the aftertaste and adds intensity to the grandiose feeling. This is a stunning expression of Mosel GG elegance in the making. 2027-2042.' (93-96) points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Kestener Paulinshofberg Grosses Gewächs Trocken 2022
The Paulinshofberg site is the south-facing neighbor to the Juffer. Its soil runs somewhat deeper, with portions of fine clayey slate. The wine from this site radiates with minimalist precision, casting a web of cool minerality, red fruit and gentle herbal spice.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.7 g/L TA, 4.3 g/L RS.

'Wonderfully spicy and ethereal nose with plenty of white tree fruit aromas. Good substance and well-integrated structure on the medium-bodied palate. The spring-like freshness keeps this light on its feet through the long elegant finish. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Paulinshofberger Riesling Trocken GG, as it is referred to on the front label, is a bone-dry wine which was fermented and aged in Fuder and stainless-steel tanks from vines located just under the Monzeler Kätzchen and at the right-hand side of the rocky part of the vineyard. It offers an intense nose of anise, minty herbs, smoke, Conference pear, candied grapefruit, and earthy spices. The wine is beautifully playful and juicy on the finely juicy and fruity palate. The finish is still marked by a touch of tartness in need of integration and proves slightly broader and powerful. This is a very impressive dry Riesling in the making. 2025-2034.' 92 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Grosses Gewächs Trocken 2022
The 32-hectare Brauneberger Juffer lies on the opposite bank of the Mosel from the town and is planted to Riesling. Its loose, weathered blue Devonian slate soil contains veins of iron oxide that give individual layers of the stone a light brown hue. This composition is more than just the source of the ‘Brauneberg’ name; it also lends this unique terroir its typical characteristics. These steep vineyards, with gradients reaching up to 80 %, give rise to delicate, finely fruity, and mineral wines.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.5 g/L TA, 3.5 g/L RS.

'Full crisp pear fruit with underlying earthy and herbal complexity that expands as this aerates in the glass. Very well structured for the 2022 vintage, fine tannins supporting the long, precise finish. Good aging potential, but already exciting. Drink or hold. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer Riesling Trocken GG, as it is referred to on the front label, is a bone-dry wine which was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless-steel tank, Fuder, and large oak barrel. It offers a beautifully aromatic and quite appealing nose of anise, grapefruit zest, smoke, spearmint, yellow flowers, fine spices, and jasmine. The wine proves quite focused and animating on the dynamic and taut palate. There is still a hint of tartness in need of integration, but the length is stunning. The aftertaste has a touch of fruity presence, which makes the wine come over as slightly broader and lighter, but hugely impressive. 2026-2037.' 94 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Grosses Gewächs Trocken 2022
The crown jewel of the Brauneberg vineyards is the Juffer- Sonnenuhr, whose 10.5 hectares are surrounded by the Juffer. These extremely steep vineyards, surrounded by cliffs, are lined with shallow vertical troughs that create a large concave mirror effect, storing the sun’s warmth as it strikes from every angle. Together with the extremely poor slate soil of the Brauneberg, they form a unique, sheltered microclimate that promotes elegant and ultra-fine Rieslings of notable minerality and international renown.
12.5 % alc/vol, 7.4 g/L TA, 2.8 g/L RS.

'At once deep and charming this remarkable Mosel GG marries honeysuckle, vanilla bean and fresh herbal aromas with impressive structure and racy acidity on the extremely focused, sleek palate. What an exciting brilliance this has at the long laser beam straight finish. Drink or hold.' 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Trocken GG, as it is referred to on the front label, is a bone-dry wine which was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless-steel tank, Fuder, and large oak barrel. It offers a beautifully complex and refined nose of yellow peach, smoke, anise, almond cream, spearmint, and a hint of apricot. The wine proves delicately juicy and creamy on the palate, and leaves a superbly animating fresher side in the long finish. The wine proves comparatively light-weighted, whereas the finish has a slightly more powerful side. This is a superbly impressive GG. 2026-2034.' 93 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett 2022 (screw cap)
This cuvee comes from the blue slate soils of the steep (75 %) slope sites of Brauneberg.
8.0 % alc/vol; 8.7 g/L TA; 44.9 g/L RS.

'Wonderful nose of cassis and flint with floral and baking spice nuances. Very clean and racy with so much drive and energy on the sleek and focused palate. Fantastic wet stone freshness at the long, super-clean finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.' 93 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer Riesling Kabinett, as it is referred to on the consumer label, was made from fruit picked at moderate Oechsle degrees and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar. It offers a subtly ample nose made of vineyard peach, mango, earthy spices, whipped cream, slate, and residual scents from its spontaneous fermentation. The wine is beautifully light-weighted and packed with whipped cream on the palate and leaves a subtly juicy and fruity feel in the long finish. The aftertaste is all about subtlety and elegance. 2032-2047.' 93 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Spatlese 2022
7.5 % alc/vol, 8.0 g/L TA, 73.5 g/L RS.

'Fascinating nose of vanilla bean, licorice, white peach and melon. Giant wet stone freshness that pushes the unfermented grape sweetness, inherent to this style, way into the background. Firm structure at the long, cool and subtly earthy finish. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer Riesling Spätlese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is a sweet wine with a gorgeous nose made of vineyard peach, whipped cream, mango, bergamot, slate, and smoke. The wine develops a subtly opulent and delicately creamy feel of vineyard peach, apricot, cream, and finely spicy elements of a drinking Auslese on the palate but remains firmly Spätlese styled in the long and juicy finish. 2032-2052.' 92 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2022
7.5 % alc/vol, 8.3 g/L TA, 76.0 g/L RS.

'This has the floral and vanilla bean aromas we associate with this great site for riesling Spatlese wines. Wonderfully vibrant and slatey acidity. Excellent balance, the sweetness easily harmonized by the Amalfi lemon freshness at the very clean, long finish. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is a sweet wine with a beautiful nose of blackberry, whipped cream, a hint of apricot, floral elements, and smoke. The wine proves superbly playful, precise, fresh, and engaging on the beautifully zesty-fruity and nicely intense palate and leaves a glorious feel of fresh herbs and fine fruity elements in the long finish. The sense of freshness, precision, and elegance are those of a Fritz Haag Spätlese from the finest vintages. What a great success! 2032-2052.' 
95 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Auslese 2022
7.5 % alc/vol, 7.5 g/L TA, 98.0 g/L RS.

'Exotic fruits and flowers, but also a lot of baking spice on the expansive yet delicate nose. Full caramelized peach and pineapple character on the generous palate. Excellent balance on the long creamy finish where there is just a hint of floral honey, yet the composition remains cool. Drink or hold.' 94 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer Riesling Auslese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is a sweet wine with an initially quite restrained yet beautiful nose made of whipped cream, pear, vineyard peach, elderflower, mint, and smoke. The wine develops a nice touch of canned yellow peach, apple, peach, and whipped cream on the animating palate and leaves a clear and pure feel in the finish. A touch of sweetness still needs to melt away in the aftertaste but nothing what a decade of bottle aging will not master. This is a beautiful and especially very pure and transparent expression of Mosel Auslese. 2032-2052.' 93 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese 2022
7.5% alc/vol, 7.8 g/L TA, 97.0 g/L RS.

'Super-floral and super-fine with a mountain stream freshness balancing the delicately tropical fruit, the floral honey sweetness underlying all this beautifully. Very long filigree finish with so much spicy subtlety. Very good aging potential. Drink or hold.' 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.

'The 2022er Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is a sweet wine with a beautiful nose made of whipped cream, vineyard peach, apricot, blackberry, and spices. The wine is gorgeously juicy and fruity on the palate and leaves a gorgeously juicy and creamy feel in the finish. A subtle touch of zest adds cut and structure to the aftertaste. What stands out, as so often with the great Fritz Haag wines, is this ethereal sense of balance and finesse. This is a textbook Auslese! 2032-2052.' 95 points, Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, Issue 67, September 2023.

2021 Vintage

‘Oliver Haag and his team have crafted a lovely set of 2021ers, with the Grosses Gewächs bottling in particular standing out for their precise and multi-faceted beauty. I had tasted the 2021 Kabinetten from this estate back in October, as a few of the winery’s new releases made an earlier container, so I was very much looking forward to sampling through many of the remaining wines in the lineup at Weingut Fritz Haag when a second tranche arrived here in the US. The Spätlesen and Auslesen that I tasted for this second report on the vintage were lovely wine and exactly what might expect from the confluence of a very good, old school vintage and a great middle Mosel estate at the top of its game.’ John Gilman, View from the cellar, April 2023.

2021 Fritz Haag Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese 375ml only - SOLD OUT
This wine has 87.0 g/l RS and 10.4 g/l TA, 7.5% alc.
‘Smelling the nose of this wine is like walking into a room filled with vases of white flowers. Breathtaking concentration and purity of flavor on the incredibly precise palate. Normally a riesling Auslese is frankly sweet, but this aspect of the wine has been hidden, its sweetness at the back of the bottom drawer and forthrightly displays all its mineral beauty. Limited production. Drink or hold.’ 96 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, September 2022.

‘The 2021 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese from Weingut Fritz Haag is another lovely example of the vintage. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a complex blend of white cherry, yellow plum, lime blossoms, mint, slate, honeycomb and violets. On the palate the wine is bright, fullish and complex, with a beautiful girdle of acidity, fine depth at the core, lovely mineral undertow, precise focus and a long, complex and seamlessly balanced finish. This is just a touch more reserved out of the blocks than the 2021 Juffer Auslese, so I would opt for letting it relax a bit in the cellar for the next four to five years before opening a bottle, just to let it really start to fire on all cylinders. Its technical data is 7.5 percent alcohol, eighty-seven grams of sugar and 10.4 grams of acid. Fine, fine juice. 2028-2085.’ 94 points, John Gilman, viewfromthecellar.com, April 2023.

2018 Vintage Report From Fritz Haag

‘Oliver Haag has made an absolutely brilliant set of wines in 2018 and this may well be the single finest vintage collection of young wines I have ever tasted from this iconic estate in Brauneberg. It is a flat out brilliant vintage for Weingut Fritz Haag; these are amongst Germany’s very greatest examples of the 2018 vintage.’ John Gilman, View From The Cellar, October 2019.

‘The 2018 vintage will be remembered for one thing above all else: sun! Our vines enjoyed around 100 extra hours of sunshine last year, even compared with grand vintages such as 2015. This came because the nearly picture-perfect spring was followed by an exceptionally dry summer. Fortunately, just as things were starting to get a bit parched in the vineyards, Brauneberg sustained two days of rain, dropping around 80 litres of water total [80mm of rain, Ed.]. As soon as the storm passed we had our hands full limiting erosion of the soil. Yet for the vines it was certainly a welcome break from the extreme summer heat. What a vintage!

Even in a year with such ideal conditions, we are perpetually chasing the elusive moment of ripeness. This autumn, like all others, saw us spare no effort in the meticulous and individual selection of our fruit. At least the pace was blissfully unhurried, on account of the excellent weather forecast. As a result, the overall health of the harvested grapes seems likely to become the stuff of legends.

The 2018s are already showing beautifully: phenomenal balance, playful expression, elegance and above all else a delightful drinkability. As you await the debut of the incredible Grosses Gewächs and noble sweet wines, take the opportunity to enjoy one of our refreshing Rieslings, such as the racy Juffer Kabinett or our irresistible Spätlese. Or, of course, there's always the option to treat yourself to a delicious mature vintage. We are very proud of the quality of the Rieslings currently resting in our cellars and hope you will be too!’

2018 Riesling Braunerberger Tradition (Feinherb)
This cuvee comes from the blue slate soils of the steep (75%) slope sites of Brauneberg. Short skin contact with gentle pressing then ageing 5 months on lees yielded this wine with 14.0 g/l RS and 7.5 g/l TA 12.0% alc.

‘It offers a beautiful and delicately ample nose of white peach, pear, white flowers, whipped sour cream and minty elements. The wine is beautifully playful and elegant on the creamy yet delicately racy palate. The finish is superbly tart and persistent. This is a great effort with the depth of a top-end dry Riesling.’ 92 points, Mosel Fine Wines, August 2019.

‘Highly refined, fresh and well-articulated in its crunchy, flinty slate perfume. Lush and salty-piquant on the silky-textured palate, this is a light to medium-bodied, firmly structured but filigreed and delicate Brauneberger with a long, stimulatingly fresh finish.’ (90-92) points, Stephan Rheinhardt, The Wine Advocate, June 2019.

‘As I mentioned last spring, the Riesling “Tradition” bottling falls between Kabinett and Spätlese in must weight and was around fifteen grams per liter of residual sugar. The wine was lovely as a sample just before bottling last March and is still quite lovely a fifteen months later. It offers up a fine nose of lime, gooseberry, orange peel, slate, a nice touch of Brauneberg botanicals and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is bright, fullish and complex, with a lovely core, fine mineral drive and bounce and a long, complex and very nicely balanced finish. My only complaint post-bottling is that the backend textural sophistication it showed out of cask has been lost a bit with the screwcap, but that is the nature of the closure. Now, it is just a bit pinched compared to last spring, but all in all, this remains a beautifully made wine and a fine value. I know this is “just” an entry level bottling, but it is a shame it did not receive a natural cork, as absolutely nothing then would have been sacrificed to its closure. 2020-2040. 91.’ John Gilman, View from the Cellar, August 2020.

2018 Riesling Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese 375ml
This cuvee comes from the heart of the Brauneberger blue slate soils of the steep (73%). This wine has 104.0 g/l RS and 7.8 g/l TA 7.5% alc.

‘A beautiful nose made of star-fruit, white peach, pear, greengage, whipped cream and grapefruit, all wrapped into smoke and green herbs. The wine proves delicately creamy and superbly multi-layered on the palate. A gorgeous touch of ripe zest brings focus and playfulness to the long and refined finish. The racy side takes the upper hand in the incredibly engaging after-taste. What a beautiful Auslese!’ 95 points, Mosel Fine Wines, August 2019.

‘The 2018 Juffer-Sonnenuhr Auslese is one of my absolutely favorite wines in the cellar this year, as again, there is no botrytis here and the wine is a legend in the making. The brilliant bouquet soars from the glass in a blaze of lime, pear, violets, a hint of the yellow plum to come, salty soil tones, honeycomb and a vibrant top-note of citrus zest. On the palate the wine is pure, refined and fullish in profile, with a creamy core of fruit, excellent acidity and grip and a very long, very precise and beautifully mineral-driven finish. This is stunning juice!’ 95+ points, John Gilman, View From The Cellar, October 2019.