The Knyphausen generic 2009 Riesling trocken originates in the Michelmark and Sandgrub Einzellagen. It delivers an admirable and for its modest classificatory status surprisingly measure of saline, crustacean shell-like mineral savor; infectious juiciness of pit fruit and citrus; and piquant nuttiness and fruit pit accents, all of which make for an impressively complete, complex experience and (judging by its ex-cellars price - at bit over seven Euros - which is all that I currently have to go on) an excellent value for enjoying over the next several years. Gerko zu Knyphausen has acquired a new partner (holding a 50% share) who will assist in management and marketing. When this new investment funds director Wolfgang Frank informed me - employing the allegedly Burgundian classificatory language now so fashionable among German vintners - that the estates portfolio had been significantly restructured, I was to say the least skeptical. Naturally, though, of paramount importance is the quality of whatever is put into bottle (and the Knyphausen estate had registered a few disappointing recent collections). What I found when I visited in November was Knyphausen and long-time vineyard and cellar manager Rainer Ruttiger very much at their posts; a revision of the wine line-up that incorporated rather bold and in my opinion largely laudable stylistic innovations; and the most exciting collection I can recall at this address in nearly two decades. Its obvious from my conversations with the team that renewed rigor in vine management has been contributory to improved quality, and whatever combination of renewed inspiration and fiscal freedom has further impacted this years performance, heres hoping that it continues!Importer: P. J. Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK; tel. (918) 622-0424