The J.B. Becker Riesling That Stopped Us in Our Tracks

The J.B. Becker Riesling That Stopped Us in Our Tracks

It takes something special to get our entire wine team this excited, and the 2017 J.B. Becker Sonnenberg Riesling Spätlese certainly delivered! We were so impressed by its remarkable energy, precision, and character that we decided to offer special pricing exclusively to our Daily Flash subscribers, despite having access to just 4.5 cases (54 bottles). This is one we're particularly excited to share, and with so little available, it's strictly first come, first served!

The 2017 vintage was an extraordinary one at J.B. Becker. The family didn't begin harvesting until October 5, long after many neighboring estates had finished picking. The extended wait, combined with challenging growing conditions, resulted in exceptionally tiny yields, some of the lowest in the estate's history. Fortunately, what the vintage lacked in quantity, it more than made up for in quality, producing Rieslings with remarkable concentration, precision, and energy.

The story behind these wines is just as fascinating. Founded in 1893, the J.B. Becker estate has been in the same family for more than 130 years. Hans-Josef Becker, affectionately known as "HaJo," took over in 1971 and became one of Germany's great Riesling pioneers. At a time when sweeter wines dominated the market, he was championing dry, structured, age-worthy Rieslings, refusing to follow trends or compromise his traditional approach. His patient winemaking, including extended aging in old wooden casks, has earned him a devoted following among serious Riesling enthusiasts.

This Sonnenberg Spätlese is a beautiful example of his distinctive style. While Spätlese often suggests a richer, sweeter Riesling, Becker maintains that this wine contains less than 30 grams of residual sugar per liter. Aromas of ripe peach, golden apricot, citrus zest, and delicate honey lead into a vibrant palate of juicy orchard fruit, fresh herbs, and wonderfully spicy minerality. There's a lovely touch of sweetness, but the wine's bright acidity keeps everything beautifully balanced, delivering a long, focused, energetic finish.

In fact, the reviewer at Heroes of Riesling was so struck by the wine's racy acidity that they compared it to the famously electric Rieslings of Germany's Saar region. Quite a compliment for a Rheingau Spätlese!

Now nine years after harvest, this Riesling is showing the kind of complexity and vitality that make Becker's wines so compelling. Our take? Pick of the litter. Run, don't walk.

“Super fresh, wonderful herbal-fruity, great spicy minerality.”
— Heroes of Riesling

For a delicious dinner pairing, try James Beard Award-winning Boston chef Ming Tsai's Pork Kimchee with Noodles. This approachable, Asian-inspired dish combines savory pork, spicy fermented cabbage, and tender noodles. The Riesling's lively acidity cuts through the richness of the pork, while its gentle sweetness beautifully balances the kimchi's heat. If you’re looking for some authentic kimchee, I suggest calling Coreanos (two locations: Framingham and Allston).

We're offering this special price only to our Daily Flash list, with just 54 bottles available. Once those are spoken for, we can't promise we'll be able to secure more.

First come, first served. Reserve yours before they're gone! Order by October 25, 2026.

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