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Karthäuserhof

Christoph and Graciela Tyrell, owners of Weingut Karthäuserhof, reside in the top echelons of Mosel wine producers. This estate has been in existence for centuries, and was previously owned by Carthusian monks, following its presentation to them by Prince Balduin of Luxembourg in the 14th century. Since taking control of this historic estate in the 1980s, the Tyrells have brought together the Kronenberg, Orthsberg, Sang and Stirn vineyards into one site, now referred to simply as Karthäuserhofberg.

The Karthäuserhofberg vineyard is situated in Eitelsbach, a small village on a tributary of the upper Mosel, near the town of Trier. The vineyard, comprising nineteen hectares of predominantly Devon slate, is one of the most highly regarded in the Mosel, and is exploited solely by the Tyrells. The vast majority is planted with Riesling, with a small amount of Weiβburgunder. (17/1/02)

Contact details:
Address: Karthäuserhof, 54292 Eitelsbach
Telephone: +49 (0) 651 5121
Fax: +49 (0) 651 53557

Karthäuserhof - Tasting Notes

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2003

Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Spätlese 2003: The 2003 vintage would not be my first port of call for many white wines, including those of the Mosel, but this is one bottle that did land - unintentionally - in my cellar. A deep, green-tinged, bright and vibrant hue on inspection. It is youthful and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it seems all over the place. Lots of chalky, talcy, powdered rock character, with a little touch of honey, minerals, lemon grass, peaches and sherbet. It seems quite enticing, but the palate is where this wine disappoints. It has flesh and weight, clear residual sugar, but low acidity and thus no definition. It has a fat, rounded feel with no developed edges anywhere. The flavour profile includes lychees which are delightful but hardly typical; tasted blind I may have put this wine in Alsace. Despite this I certainly like the flavour - but overall the low acidity is too much of a problem for me to really rate this. A 2007 Christmas wine. 14/20 AP Nr: 3 561 303 33 04 (December 2007)

1998

Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Kabinett 1998: A clear and bright wine, with a typical green edge to the hue. There are a few bubbles collecting on the inside of the glass, suggesting some residual dissolved carbon dioxide. On the nose there are fresh limes and notes of blossom, with a steely, slatey firmness lying behind the juicy, almost powerful fruit. Immediately apparent on the palate is a slight, appealing carbon dioxide spritz confirming my suspicions. Alongside there is fresh acidity buoying up a weight of lively, limey fruit, which lingers through the finish, with a floral edge. 17+/20 AP Nr: 3 561 303 7 99 Label (January 2002)

1990

Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Auslese 1990: Suggested by Matt Wilkin of The Capital for seared duck foie gras. Good, evolving nose. Rich notes entering at the edges, but with plenty of lime and some subtle kerosene freshness. Lovely balance, with a pure, rounded, chalky mineral component countered by fine acidity and an elegant texture. Steely, blossom notes on the finish. A superb wine, still improving (should drink well for another decade), and in my opinion the most appealing food match of all the suggestions. From a Sommelier's Choice tasting. 17.5+/20 (May 2005)

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