At the end of August, on one of those clear, warm late summer days, I found myself sitting in the Robert Weil vinotheque, blissfully unaware of what was coming my way. Without much fanfare, Caro poured me a glass of the 2023 Monte Nostrum. I hadn’t heard of Weil’s new icon Riesling until then. But with the very first sip, I couldn’t help but think of someone – a woman. And not just any woman.

Imagine meeting a woman who, at first glance, seems cool and distant, as if she’s keeping you at arm’s length on purpose. She’s dressed simply, but flawlessly – nothing flashy, yet with a kind of elegance that you can’t ignore. She isn’t loud, not the type to be the center of attention, but still, she effortlessly draws every eye in the room. And then there’s this aura of self-assuredness about her, one she doesn’t need to flaunt – it’s just there.

As you get closer and start to speak with her, you immediately realize: there’s more to her. Her voice is clear and steady, but at the same time, there’s a warmth that you didn’t expect. Just like the first impression of the Monte Nostrum, with its cool, citrusy nose that feels almost razor-sharp and precise, yet accompanied by a soft, subtle note of peach and apple. She doesn’t speak much, but every word is deliberate. And the more you listen, the more you understand just how much depth she holds.

With every sentence, every gesture, she reveals a new facet of herself. Her reserve isn’t born from insecurity, but from confidence. Much like the Monte Nostrum, which at first feels cool and precise on the palate, but then starts to unveil more – the juicy fruit, the lively acidity, a smoky note that appears out of nowhere, like an unexpected glance from her that makes you stop and think. She’s not someone who reveals all her secrets at once – you have to earn her depth, piece by piece.

And then, just when you think you’ve figured her out, she smiles. It’s a barely noticeable smile, but it hits you. There’s a touch of sweetness in her eyes, in her demeanor, that you didn’t see coming. Just like the Monte Nostrum surprises you with a hint of sweetness, right when you thought it would stay cool and precise. She shows you that there’s always more to discover if you’re willing to spend the time.

This is not a woman who throws herself at you. She makes you curious, makes you wonder what else she’s hiding. But if you have the patience, you’ll be rewarded – with depth, elegance, and a refinement that’s rare to find.

Oh, and about the 2023 Monte Nostrum… If your mouth is watering by now, you’ll need to practice a bit more patience. The 2023 vintage of this truly special Riesling will be available exclusively through the Place de Bordeaux starting in the spring of 2025. If you want to secure a bottle, it’s worth keeping an eye on it already. But as with the best things in life: it’s worth the wait.