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Markus Molitor

The Mosel estate of Markus Molitor is a specialist in late harvest wines, such as Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein. Since he took control of the business in 1984, he has seen his vineyard holdings more than double in size, as he acquired new plots of vines specifically with the production of sweet wines in mind.

The domain's best plots are in the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Zeltinger Schloβberg, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Domprobst vineyards. These vineyards, with their slate soils so typical of the region, are predominantly planted with Riesling, although Molitor also grows reasonable quantities of Weiβburgunder and Spätburgunder. (15/4/02)

Contact details:
Address: Haus Klosterberg, 54470 Bernkastel-Wehlen
Telephone: +33 (0) 6532 3939
Fax: +33 (0) 6532 4225
Internet: www.wein-markus-molitor.de

Markus Molitor - Tasting Notes

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Markus Molitor Riesling Trocken 2007: Bright, lemony, minerally and papery fruit here, leading us into a rather lean palate very much in the trocken style. Soft, not bone-dry, and with a chalky-talcy substance and texture to it all. It picks up a little weight in the midpalate. It is certainly clean and refreshing, although I prefer the traditional styles to this. Tasted at a FromVineyardsDirect tasting. 15+/20 (November 2009) AP number: 2 576 609 10 08

Markus Molitor Riesling Feinherb 2006: Feinherb is an old term, gaining in popularity once again, used in place of halbtrocken, so this should be between a kabinett and trocken in style. It has a nice, steely, fruit character on the nose, with a minerally, appley freshness. On the palate it has a gentle disposition, just off-dry, fresh, supple and soft. It has only moderate concentration of flavour, but overall a nice character and it finishes nicely. Good. From a tasting with Woodwinters. 15.5/20 (November 2008)

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2001: A decent depth of colour on inspection, showing a very typical green-tinged hue. There follows a gloriously expressive nose, and the aromas are all very much in the mineral vein. Possessing a slaty, rocky, vibrant minerality, the wine almost effervesces with a vigorous and punchy bite. There's also a little residual sulphur to it which still needs to dissipate despite the wine's six years in bottle. It is full and fleshy on entry, fresh and stony although not as obvious as on the nose, although this initial thought fades through the midpalate which is like sucking a sweet, floral, peach-flavoured pebble. Sweet, with good acidity, it is sufficiently rich that tasted blind I would probably have opted for somewhere on the Rhine over the Mosel, reflecting Molitor's opinion that the wines of this vineyard are more full-bodied than others from this region. It also has a firmer grip than I would expect, so that there is a fine, sappy, drying element to the finish. Overall though, this is a delicious wine which needs time, and will surely improve in the cellar for many years yet. Very good indeed. For label images and more see my Wine of the Week write-up. 17+/20 (April 2008) AP number: 2 576 609 05 02

Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Eiswein 1998: This wine has a rich and golden hue. The nose is remarkable, intense and smoky-earthy, with a soft but intense lime-marmalade sweetness. I really struggle to find the words to describe it, but it is intense and in possession of great depth, with a rather deep and earthy character, but also intense sweetness too. The palate has the same character, delicious lime pastille sweetness but also balance, depth, and style. This is lovely but gentle and perfectly poised, with a subtle tingle of acidity in the background, and a great finish. I think this style of wine really needs time; it is clearly of great quality, and it has seen huge positive development since my last bottle six years ago, but perhaps it will be even greater in another ten years? From my 1998 vintage Ten Years On tasting. 17.5+/20 (November 2008) AP number: 2 576 609 42 99

Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Eiswein 1998: A limpid, golden yellow wine, with a viscid appearance when poured. It gives little on the nose, although with time there begin to appear some hints of riches to come. Suggestions of pineapples, perhaps oranges, and a rich, background aroma redolent of honey spread on freshly baked bread. A full, rounded texture on the palate, with more orange and pineapple fruit, together with a not unpleasant hint of raisins. Great sweetness is carried through by just sufficient acidity, which from time to time creeps up on the palate with a fine, tingling freshness. It finishes very smoothly, although it has a short length. This wine is crying out for more time in bottle. 16+/20 (April 2002) AP number: 2 576 609 42 99 Label