At a glance

Producer

Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

Region

Pfalz, Germany

Grape variety

Riesling

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-120 USD (750ml retail; Wine-Searcher global average: ~$98 as of 2024/2025)

Tasting profile

Concentrated citrus (lime, lemon), white peach, green apple, wet stone, and marked salty/slate minerality; subtle herbal/floral hints; taut acidity, long mineral finish.

Evolution: Over time, develops petrol notes, honey, wax, dried apricot, deeper minerality, and creamy texture while retaining vibrant acidity.

At peak: At peak, a harmonious balance of ripe stone fruit, evolved tertiary aromatics (petrol, lanolin), and deep, resonant minerality; complex, layered, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

High (signature of top dry Pfalz Riesling; provides longevity and freshness)

Tannins

None (white wine—phenolic grip possible but no tannin structure)

Alcohol

Typically 12.5-13.5% ABV (well integrated; precise balance)

Aging potential

20-25 years+ from vintage in top vintages and terroirs like Hohenmorgen

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2049

Optimal window

2022 to 2052

Current status

Approachable now, but benefits from further cellaring

Current condition

Youthful but developing complexity; entering prime drinking years with structure for further evolution

Grosses Gewächs Rieslings from vineyards like Hohenmorgen combine concentration, acid backbone, and deep soils for ageworthiness. The 2017 vintage in Pfalz is classic, giving vibrant fruit and tremendous tension. By 2025-2035, primary fruit integrates with mineral, savory, and petrol-driven tertiary flavors. After 2035, fruit recedes slightly but complexity deepens, with longevity through at least 2040 under ideal storage. Mature GG Riesling rarely falls apart abruptly—graceful evolution into a 'grand old' phase.

Food pairing

Classic: Roast pork with apple, Wiener schnitzel, veal in cream sauce, soft cheeses (Comté, aged goat cheese), simply prepared scallops or lobster. Peak-aged bottles excel with richer poultry, Asian dishes (ginger, lemongrass), or sushi featuring fatty tuna or sea urchin.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To open up the aromatics and unfold layers in youth; less needed with extended bottle age, but a careful splash-decant (to avoid sediment) benefits older bottles.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, reduced chemical use, extensive hand-harvesting, focus on biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation

Bassermann-Jordan is a leading estate in the Pfalz and demonstrates a significant commitment to sustainability, including the Fair'n Green program covering environmental, biodiversity, and social benchmarks. Changes are ongoing for further improvements.