Both the context and the fermentation in new and used 228-liter barrels from Burgundy (the used come from the Domaine Etienne Sauzet) give the 2013 Pettenthal Riesling GG bouquet a greenish-woody character. Winemaker Felix Peters argues "the oak enriches the ascetic mineral character of the Pettenthal," whereas I think it rather masks the true Pettenthal character and pure, fresh soul that only shines through on the good mineral finish. Lots of citrus aromas on the palate that are very pure and quite reductive in spite of the new wood. This wine should be decanted, but even if you like Burgundies and German Riesling it is not guaranteed that you will like a hybrid of the two.

DRINK DATE
2014 - 2021
A gentle whiff of freshly cut logs evokes associations of oak. If my assumption is correct, the wood is mercifully restrained on the palate and gives precedence to an attractive combination of grapefruit and sound acidity. Considering the vintage, the Pettenthal cannot be faulted on substance either, but a certain chewiness on the finish gives further rise to my earlier suspicion of barrique use. Of course this would not be a crime, but it’s not cricket either.