Description
Among the venerable wine estates of the Mosel, the Mönchhof (“Monk’s Court”) bears the distinction of being one of the oldest. Formerly owned by the Cistercian Abbey at Himmerod, documents from Pope Alexander III date the abbey’s winemaking back to 1177. The Eymael family purchased the estate from Napoleon in 1804 at auction in Paris, and the vaulted cellars built by the monks centuries ago are still in use today. In 2016, Robert Eymael, the sixth generation of the family, sold the estate to an investor, but still manages the winery alongside cellar and vineyard master Philippe Conzen. The Mönchhof boasts highly prized vineyards, all planted to 100% riesling on original rootstocks, including a significant parcel in the Erden Prälat vineyard, one of the most renowned sites in the Mosel. The Erden Prälat is the smallest grand cru vineyard in the Mosel - only about 1.5 ha. It is situated on a steep slope with southern exposure, and its unique terroir melds the blue-gray slate of the Erdner Treppchen with red iron oxide of the Ürzig. 60-100 year old ungrafted riesling vines are the backbone of this cuvée, which bears the label with the monk that is reserved only for wines from this vineyard. The Prälat grapes are picked last during the harvest, and directly pressed after their arrival at the estate. Elegant stone fruit and floral aromas yield to a palate that is luxuriously textured, layered with rich apricot, peach, and lemon drop flavors, all delicately accented with whiffs of smoke, herbs, and spice. Vibrant acidity provides energetic lift and freshness, providing a harmonious counterpoint to the delicate sweetness and impressive length. This absolute stunner is drinking beautifully now, but will easily cellar for a decade or more. Sustainably grown.
