91 David Schildknecht - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The anticipated pungency of struck flint on the nose of Gut Hermannsberg's 2011 Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube Riesling Grosses Gewachs is joined by a marine breeze-like salinity and alkalinity as well as intimations of huckleberry and peach kernel that are then realized on the wine’s firm but infectiously juicy palate in the form of invigorating tartness and a sort of cyanic glow. Hints of musk and game add overall intrigue, while toasted nuts add to the piquancy of a sustained finish rendered mouthwatering by lemony juiciness and savory salinity. I would expect this to be fascinating for follow for at least 6-8 years."

"Director Karsten Peter, new owners Jens Reidel and Dr. Christine Dinse, and their team (for more about whose recent evolution consult my reports in Issues 192 and 198) have demonstrated convincingly in 2011 that they are indeed the ones for whom lovers of Nahe Riesling have been waiting and hoping since the eclipse a quarter-century ago of this long-renowned former Nahe State Domaine, whose holdings on the Lower Nahe were in the mid-1990s relinquished (some of the best of which, thankfully, found their way to Diel and Rumpf), but whose precious vineyards in Niederhausen and Schlossbockelheim as well as along the Alsenz at Altenbamberg remained intact. (By the reciprocal non-conflict agreement detailed in my Issue 198 report, this estate's holdings in the Hermannshohle have been leased to Donnhoff, while his holdings in the Kupfergrube will be farmed and vinified by Gut Hermannsberg.) 'We really gave it gas,' notes Peter of the initial, late September phase of 2011 harvest, because the window to capture alcoholic levity and sprightly acidity in Pinot Blanc and basic Gutsriesling was narrow. After that, the pace could be relaxed, as it was at most addresses, and the top vineyards were largely picked between the 15th and 25th of October."

17 Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages

"A pattern is beginning to emerge for the Kupfergrube, with the herbaceous aromas of spontaneous fermentation once again taking the lead. On the palate the green herbaceous character changes to a softer expression of garden herbs. Although the residual sugar is probably similar for all three Grosse Gewächse, the Kupfergrube does not have the same emphasis on fruit and therefore comes across as slightly drier. Drink 2012-2018. (MS)"

"For many years the State Domaine was the biggest Nahe player by far, and it would be fair to say that, before the days of Dönnhoff and Schönleber, wines from the State Domaine's Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube vineyard were probably the most sought-after Nahe wines of all."