The Perfectionist: Markus Molitor and the Mastery of the Mosel
When it comes to German Riesling, few producers embody the pursuit of perfection quite like Markus Molitor. Renowned for his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, Molitor has redefined what is possible for Mosel Riesling, crafting wines of unparalleled precision, complexity, and age-worthiness. From the legendary Bernkasteler Doctor to the iconic Erdener Prälat and Scharzhofberger, Molitor’s wines are a masterclass in terroir-driven excellence.
Molitor’s philosophy is simple yet uncompromising: to create wines that are pure expressions of their vineyard origins, each bottle a reflection of the steep slopes, slate soils, and unique microclimates of the Mosel and Saar Valleys. The result is a portfolio that ranges from crystalline dry Rieslings to sumptuous sweet Auslesen, all of which have earned critical acclaim and a devoted following among collectors.
The Pinnacle of Perfection: Molitor’s Single-Vineyard Rieslings
2022 Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling
Crafting Wines for the Ages: Molitor’s wines are built to last
The Mosel: A Land of Legends
The Mosel Valley, with its vertiginous slopes and slate-laden soils, is one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding regions for viticulture. Markus Molitor’s vineyards are among the finest in the Middle Mosel and Saar, with holdings in legendary sites like Bernkasteler Doctor, Erdener Prälat, and Scharzhofberger. These vineyards, known for their historical significance and unparalleled terroir, are the foundation of Molitor’s extraordinary wines.
Each site offers something unique:
- Bernkasteler Doctor is celebrated for its elegance and finesse, producing Rieslings with remarkable depth and minerality.
- Erdener Prälat, nestled along the Mosel River, yields wines of opulence and power with a distinct warmth and baroque richness.
- Scharzhofberger, located in the Saar, is revered for its precision and saline minerality, delivering wines of breathtaking intensity and purity.
The Pinnacle of Perfection: Molitor’s Single-Vineyard Rieslings
Molitor’s single-vineyard Rieslings are more than just wines—they are works of art, each bottle showcasing the individuality of its terroir. The dry White Capsule Rieslings, in particular, have become benchmarks for collectors, consistently earning top scores from critics.
2022 Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling *** (White Capsule)
Rated 99 points by The Wine Advocate, the 2022 Bernkasteler Doctor is a wine of extraordinary refinement. Stephan Reinhardt describes it as “deep, pure, and intense,” with tropical fruit aromas, fine nougat, and a saline minerality that carries through to a lime-bitter finish. Aged in small barrels, this wine combines richness with a tensioned elegance that promises decades of evolution.
For those who value patience, the Bernkasteler Doctor is a treasure that will only improve with time.
2022 Erdener Prälat Riesling *** (White Capsule)
The Erdener Prälat is one of Molitor’s most iconic wines, consistently showcasing the vineyard’s capacity for opulence and power. The 2022 vintage, rated 99 points, displays ripe tropical fruits, flinty nuances, and a seamless balance of richness and saline minerality.
This wine’s warmth and baroque finesse make it a quintessential expression of the Mosel, with Stephan Reinhardt noting its "lingering crystalline and salty acidity" and extraordinary ageing potential.
2022 Scharzhofberger Riesling *** (White Capsule)
The Scharzhofberger is a testament to the Saar’s ability to produce Rieslings of purity and intensity. Rated 99 points, the 2022 vintage opens with tropical fruit, crushed rocks, and lemon rind, evolving into a palate of saline richness and lime-bitter freshness.
Reinhardt compares its elegance and complexity to that of a great Burgundy, underscoring its place among Molitor’s finest achievements.
A Legacy of Critical Acclaim
Markus Molitor’s wines are no strangers to critical acclaim. Over the years, his Rieslings have garnered countless 100-point scores across styles, from dry White Capsule Rieslings to luscious sweet Auslesen. The 2019 Erdener Prälat Auslese, for example, was described by Stephan Reinhardt as “inexpressibly generous, smooth, and mild,” with a crystalline acidity and lingering minerality that earned it a perfect score.
Molitor’s success lies not only in his exceptional vineyards but also in his meticulous attention to detail. From hand-harvesting at optimal ripeness to ageing in a mix of amphorae, concrete eggs, and neutral barrels, every decision is guided by a commitment to quality and authenticity.
Crafting Wines for the Ages: Molitor’s wines are built to last
The 2022 Bernkasteler Doctor, for instance, is recommended for drinking from 2029 to 2065, while the Erdener Prälat and Scharzhofberger promise similar longevity. These are wines that evolve over decades, gaining complexity and depth while maintaining their vibrant acidity and minerality.
For collectors, the appeal of Molitor’s Rieslings lies not only in their quality but also in their ability to tell a story. Each vintage is a snapshot of the year’s challenges and triumphs, and each bottle offers a glimpse into the soul of the Mosel.
Exploring Molitor's Investment Potential
Tasting through the range of wines at Molitor was a daunting experience when you consider they make 80 separate bottlings on a yearly basis. Fortunately, we didn’t have to taste through that many, but a smaller selection across the three ranges (white, green and gold capsule) and focus on the best wines from each.
Beyond the bewildering number of epic Rieslings this estate produces is the phenomenal library stock this winery keeps, resulting in a quite enviable back catalogue of perfectly mature Rieslings that they came to pull from the cellars.
The overwhelming impression, however, was one of complete amazement. It is so rare that you have the opportunity to taste through so many unique expressions of one particular grape variety, which so clearly detail the unique aspects and terroir from each vineyard, as well as vintage. Undoubtedly, there is a red thread of commonality that evokes a Molitor signature through the wines, but never did a phrase feel more apparent than the ‘many faces of Riesling’ when tasting through the range.
The quality, up and down the scale, is incredibly consistent, and the uniqueness of each wine is evident in every bottle. There’s no doubt that Molitor is one of the finest winemakers in Germany but given rivals in the dry department such as Keller and Muller on the sweet side, it’s hard to think of any producer in Germany that competes with Molitor in both the breadth and depth wines produced, at the very highest level. This is echoed by the fact they’ve received twenty-one, 100-point scores from The Wine Advocate, nine for their dry whites and eleven for the sweet expressions.
The graph below tracks a basket of Molitor’s most popular Rieslings from Grand Cru vineyards across the white and gold capsules.
As we can see, both the popularity and price have steadily increased over the past ten years, with prices tripling on average since the beginning of 2016. As with most of the high-end fine wine market, Molitor experienced a pandemic-fueled jump in prices from 2022 to 2023, which has cooled off, representing a great entry point for collectors.
Given our direct access to the winery, enabling us to select the best they have to offer, with high scores and perfect provenance at market-best pricing, we feel Molitor offers a great value and diversification opportunity for investors and collectors.
Why Markus Molitor Belongs in Your Collection
Markus Molitor’s dry Rieslings are more than just wines—they are investments in time, terroir, and artistry. The 2022 Bernkasteler Doctor, Erdener Prälat, and Scharzhofberger White Capsule Rieslings represent the pinnacle of Mosel winemaking, delivering unparalleled precision, complexity, and ageing potential. Their critical acclaim, including multiple 99-point scores, positions them among the finest white wines in the world, rivalling even the greatest Grand Cru Burgundies.
For collectors, these wines offer not only immediate pleasure but also long-term rewards. As Stephan Reinhardt notes, “Patience is the first commandment” when it comes to Molitor’s wines—and for those who wait, the rewards are nothing short of spectacular.
Markus Molitor’s story is one of vision, determination, and a deep respect for the land. His wines are a testament to the extraordinary potential of German Riesling and a reminder of why the Mosel remains one of the world’s most revered wine regions. For those seeking the ultimate expression of dry Riesling, Molitor’s White Capsule Rieslings are a must-have.
Stay tuned for the final instalment in this series, where we dive into the story of Dönnhoff, the jewel of the Nahe, and their unparalleled ability to craft some of Germany’s most exquisite dry Rieslings.
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