German Wine Vintage Guide

Summary of the German wine vintages on a year by year basis, with recommendations of wines to look out for.  This section is updated regularly.

1996 Vintage

The Mosel region suffered rainstorms in August which made life more difficult for growers than previous years and variable wines overall.  Eisweins will be excellent from this year however and should be drinking perfectly well now.  In Rheinhessen, Pfalz and Nahe, conditions were almost perfect and the wines from these areas, especially the Spatlesen Reislings will be magical for many years to come.

1997 Vintage

A very good year across the board, with fine growing conditions resulting in well structured wines that are probably not as long lived as the 2006's but nevertheless will make an excellent addition to any cellar.

1998 Vintage

Heavy rains in Mosel made life difficult again and the Riesling from this region is good, but not great.  Head across to Pfaltz and Nahe for the really good wines, with growers benefiting from a hot summer and rains in September to cool things down, although the picking period was generally dry.

1999 Vintage

Another good year overall although late rains affected wines from Nahe and yields were up across other regions, especially in Rheinhessen.

2000 Vintage

Only good throughout - no real signs of excellence this year, with a very rainy few days affecting picking throughout Germany.  The wines are drinking well now but do not show the elegence of previous years.  You can probably pick up some Riesling bargains from this year but don't expect magic.

2001 Vintage

A very good vintage for most, with a long and hot summer, cooling off perfectly into September and October for great picking conditions.  The later the grapes were picked, the better quality they were and the long living Spatlesens should keep for many many years and be delightful when drunk.

2002 Vintage

The rains came down in October making conditions very tough for the harvest yet the wines produced from this year and very good across the board, with Spatburgunder one of the star grapes from this year.  Stock up now for the lighter wines to drink now and the Rieslings to lay down for a few more years.

2003 Vintage

A very hot year across Europe caused some casualities in Germany, the main problem being a lack of acidity, especially in the Nahe wines.  Red wines produced this year are drinking well now but should be drunk up. The Pfalz Rieslings are the stars of this year's show.

2004 Vintage

Hailstorms across the Nahe region, worsened by some bad frosts, make wines from this region best avoided.  Mosel and Rheinhessen benefited from a fantastic autumn and the result is some very good wines, although yields were higher than usual.

2005 Vintage

One of the best vintages on record, with excellent levels of acidity and a perfect autumn.  Yields were keep low and the wines from 2005 will grace your cellar for many years to come.