The vineyard, characterized by quartzite and permeated by iron, has, as in 2023, the most distinctive nose of our GGs. Here, mallow, rosehip, and red currants meet pink grapefruit and pomelo. Added to this is an earthy spice and a hint of wood. Very complex and powerful. Certainly not everyone's darling, but unmistakable and grand, with legendary aging potential. Stuart Pigott/James Suckling Rating: 97 points. Location & Terroir Vineyard: The Geisenheim Rothenberg was first mentioned by the nobleman Ruthard de Rothenberch in 1145. The name could be derived from two other possibilities: Rodenberg in the sense of "to clear" or "to cultivate," or it could refer to the red color of the soil. The vineyard covers 44 hectares, of which 5.44 hectares are classified as "Grosse Lage." With a south-southwest exposure and a slope of approximately 40%, it is arguably one of the winners of climate change. On the world's oldest vineyard classification map, dating from 1867 and rediscovered in 2011, this site is already listed as one of the Rheingau's top-class sites. Since 2005, this vineyard has set the German must weight record three times. In the record year of 2011, Rothenberg harvested TBAs with must weights of 259°, 319°, and an incredible 340°. 2015, 2016, and 2017 are the most recent vintages with optimal conditions for TBAs. Must weights of 170°, 190°, and 230° were harvested, respectively. Terroir: Taunus quartzite, interspersed with red clay slate (iron oxide).