Grape: 100% Riesling

In 2018, Stein was able to make around 160 liters, some 400 half-bottles, only his fourth legal straw wine, or as he calls it, “Striehween” Stein has not made one since. These are true Stein rarities, genius bottles that he normally only opens at the estate, for particularly curious or friendly guests. Because of the extreme density of the wine, fermentation is very slow; the 2018 Striehween fermented for over two years. It was only bottled in the spring of 2021.

For all of the unctuous density of the wine the shocking part of this wine is its restraint, its elegance, its brightness. Honey soaked flavors, dried stone fruits (peaches, apricots), and raisins, melon, and a piles of perfumed flowers. There is a greenness, with kiwi and green melon, even some candied lime and ginger. A wine with profound length and lift; a saline-tinged ripeness that feels brighter and livelier with every passing moment.