Markus Molitor Riesling Erdener Treppchen Kabinett White Capsule 2023

Score big on a radiant Riesling from one of First Bottle’s favorite German producers! Under $30 on a 95-point gem such as this is a truly remarkable buy, and we only wish we had loads more than our scant allocation.

Eight generations. 37 hectares of spectacular vineyards spread across 15 classic sites from Bernkastel and Graach to Wehlen and Zeltingen. Extreme dedication. Highly ageable. Heaps of critical acclaim. These captivating qualities are all part of the Molitor legacy. We could post endless critical fanfare about Molitor’s greatness in the world of Riesling, but if you’ve been lucky enough to try some yourself, you already know.

Of the 100+ different wines that Markus Molitor makes each harvest, this was one of our cherry-picked favorites of the 2023 season. 95 POINT Treppchen Kabinett that is tremendous to drink now, with a hidden power and intensity that will gracefully unfold over the coming years. The vineyard is a steep, 39-hectare, south-west-facing site with red soil from weathered slate and high stone content, and the bottle’s white capsule communicates that it’s a dry-style wine (based on the estate’s color-coded capsule system). Kabinett wines are typically a classic, light-bodied German Riesling with laser-sharp acidity, vibrant fruit, and low alcohol – this one at just 10.5% ABV.

It soars with aromas of Golden Delicious apples, quince, and Korean pears, with accompanying accents of cocoa bean, cinnamon, and forest floor. There’s a lush, earthy, and subtly flinty presence here – both complementing the existing flavors yet reminding drinkers that the best is yet to come. A closely-knit structure, piercing acidity, and rich, mineral-driven finish make this nothing short of a Riesling wonder, and one of the finest examples of age-worthy Riesling to be found anywhere in the world! Our proper steal of a price makes it even cheekier. Grab a few, at least!

FOOD PAIRINGS: A little spice and a touch of creaminess will blow the lid off of this Riesling – I’m going for a skillet of creamy chipotle chicken enchiladas for the ultimate smoky and saucy dish.