2019 Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru

This is so elegant and refined, with such a complex bouquet of aromas that range from bitter lemon, through red apple and quince to white peach. Then comes the finely etched palate that’s simultaneously very nimble and intense. Breathtaking delicacy at the crystalline finish! From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better from 2022.

Biodynamically certified. Schlossberg is on a base of granite rocks with soils that are brown, slightly acidic, pebbly with good mineral fertility that are shallow at the top and deeper at the bottom of the south-facing slope. The soils are very well drained and warm up very rapidly. The Schlossberg has been particularly favourable for late-ripening Riesling. This specific cuvee comes from plots at 300–350 m at the top of the hill. Aged for 14 months in large, old oak vats in the traditional way. RS 3.67 g/l, TA 6.84 g/l. Greenish tinge to straw colour. Gloriously complex nose that suggests some botrytis and great richness (though not sweetness) and depth. This is Alsace Riesling at its very best. Such depth and reverberation already. This is the sort of wine I could drink all night. Pure, broad and long. (JR)