The 2020 Weingut Clemens Busch Riesling Marienburg Fahrlay-Terassen Grosses Gewachs is a highly acclaimed white wine from the Mosel region of Germany. This Riesling, produced by Weingut Clemens Busch, is characterized by its intense complexity and rich flavors, a testament to the meticulous biodynamic methods employed in its production. The wine is made from grapes harvested from century-old vines grown on blue slate, which imparts unique mineral qualities to the wine.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 98, describing it as having a "dense grapefruit, rosemary and thyme nose" that draws you into its "orbit of rich and concentrated dry Riesling." He praises its "enveloping, salty minerality" and "laser-beam bright" finish, noting the "white-flower delicacy" that emerges at the end. Suckling highlights that the grapes are biodynamically grown with Respekt certification, and suggests that while the wine is drinkable now, it will be at its best starting from 2023.
Decanter also rated this Riesling highly with a score of 97, noting that it is made from fruit derived from 100-year-old vines. The reviewer points out that the wine is more about the "phenolic compounds, smoky hints and saline finish," which contribute to its "multi-layered complexity." They describe it as a "monumental wine," reflecting Clemens Busch's aim to showcase the terroir through his biodynamic practices.
Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 97. Stephan Reinhardt describes the 2020 Marienburg GG Fahrlay Terrassen as offering a "clear and intense, warm and concentrated yet refined and flinty bouquet." He notes the presence of "weathered slate and iodine aromas" combined with "super ripe and juicy Riesling aromas." On the palate, the wine is "refined and crystalline," with "immediately salivating salinity" and "crunchy tannins," culminating in a "spectacularly good wine."
In summary, the 2020 Weingut Clemens Busch Riesling Marienburg Fahrlay-Terassen Grosses Gewachs is a complex, richly flavored wine with high praise from multiple reviewers, making it a noteworthy choice for Riesling enthusiasts and collectors.