Weingut St Nikolaus-Hospital
Mosel Valley (Germany)

The Estate
St Nikolaus-Hospital Cusanusstift is the oldest estate in the Middle Mosel region, founded in 1458 by philosopher Nikolaus von Kues, the best known ancestor of the town of Bernkastel-Kues. He became Bishop and Cardinal then founded the St Nikolaus Hospital, a social service institution that has been functioning since 1465. Over the years, this award-winning producer has received numerous medals for his wines, and is a member of the "Bernkasteler Ring". The equipment at the winery is state of the art and the winemakers are among the finest ones in Germany. The estate also operates the Vinothek, one of Europe's most beautiful tasting facilities which gathers 140 of Germany's top producers and represents a major tourist destination.

The Vineyard
The vineyard is located along the Mosel River and measures 15 hectares (37.05 acres) total, including the following sites: Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Graacher Domprobst, Bernkastler Badstube, Bernkastler Graben, Brauneberger Juffer and Braunberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr. The 40 year-old vines are planted on steep, slate soil.

The Wines

shelf talker

#G1EE61100
UPC code: 7 84585 00798 1
2004 St Nikolaus-Hospital, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling, Spatlese 12/750ml
"Sonnenuhr" means sundial. The vineyard is facing the small town of Wehlen, located in the middle of a long steep curved slate slope on the Mosel, with a south-southwest exposure.
The wine exhibits a fresh fruity bouquet of peach and apricots with honey and spicy notes. Strong, sweet and long flavors. Elegant, full bodied and luscious wine with good minerality and acidity on the palate.

National Retail Price: $22.95 / bottle

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#G1EE611005RSS
UPC code: 7 84585 00861 2
2007 St Nikolaus-Hospital, Wehlener, Sonnenuhr, Riesling Auslese 12/750ml
Full bodied, harmonious and elegant wine displaying apricot and apple aromas, acacia and honey notes. Sweet with good acidity and a good length.

#G1EE611003RSS
UPC code: 7 84585 00861 2
2006 St Nikolaus-Hospital, Wehlener, Sonnenuhr, Riesling Auslese 12/750ml
Full bodied, harmonious and elegant wine displaying apricot and apple aromas, acacia and honey notes. Sweet with good acidity and a good length.

National Retail Price: $26.95 / bottle

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#G1EE611006RSS
UPC code: 7 84585 00860 5
2007 St Nikolaus-Hospital, Graacher, Himmelreich, Riesling, Auslese 12/750ml
"Himmelreich" means Kingdom of Heaven, which reflects the historic commitment of the churches in wine production, with holdings in the best locations.
The wine shows concentrated fruits, an intense mineral texture and a lingering finish.

National Retail Price: $26.95 / bottle

#G1EE61102
UPC code: 7 84585 00860 5
2005 St Nikolaus-Hospital, Graacher, Himmelreich, Riesling, Auslese 12/750ml
"A terrific value, this may be the best-priced top-quality auslese on the market. From a site that produced several other gems this vintage, this is a lush, slightly viscous wine that boasts scents of apricots, honey and crushed stone, while the flavors feature a beautifully harmonious interplay of stone fruits and ripe citrus. Long and balanced on the finish, with at least a decade or two or evolution ahead."
- Wine Enthusiast (Oct. 2007), 93 pts
EDITORS'S CHOICE