Gunther Steinmetz, Riesling Wintricher Geierslay "Sur Lie", 2023 [Pre-Arrival ETA 7/15]

This is your easiest way into the Wintricher Geierslay, that steep south-facing slope of very fine slate studded with big quartzite boulders. The fruit comes from vines Stefan planted in 2012 using a prized massal selection, and the wine rests on its lees right up until bottling, which is why "Sur Lie" ends up on the label. That extended lees contact gives it a creamy, rounded texture, but make no mistake, it finishes dry, bright, and lithe. A friendly, savory Riesling that punches well above its station.