Maximin Herrenberg is a south-facing vineyard with red slate, a soil structure that is relatively rare in the Mosel. Before the turn of the 20th century, Carl Schmitt-Wagner decided to replant the most special parcel of the Maximum Herrenberg vineyard using a massale selection from the very best material he had at that time. The Prussian tax map of 1868 had already designated Maximum Herrenberg as a top site in the region at that time. Using the Roman, single-pole training system, the vineyard was planted with a density of 10,000 vines per hectare. When the Schmitt-Wagner estate was unsuccessful in convincing one of their heirs to take over this significant and historic domaine, Karl-Joseph Loewen was able, over time, to convince them that the Loewen family would honor the history of the vineyard. At the conclusion of the purchase, the Carl Loewen estate was now the proud owner of 9000 vines that had been planted between 1896-1910, with the crown Jewel, Herrenberg, being the oldest Riesling vineyard in the world. Tasting wines from these parcels is like participating in a "living monument of viticultural history".

Vinous 96 Points:  The 2024 Riesling Longuicher Maximin Herrenberg 1896 Alte Reben is from own-rooted vines that were 128 years old, grown on red slate. Tansy shimmers with exquisite savoriness, like herb crushed on stone. The palate is a juicy marvel, an absolutely fluid, bright and vivid joy that sprays with the freshness of tart red apple and citrus. It is glorious and wonderful. Like an elixir, the 2024 is totally serious. It is a monument but simply delicious, too. Dry