Product Information:
2022 was a sensational vintage for dry riesling from the grand cru sites with granitic soils, such as the Schlossberg. Without a doubt the pinnacle is the Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine Riesling 2022, which Stuart Piggot describes as "a perfect masterpiece of minerality". Concentrated and still very youthful, with energetic stonefruits are the tip of the iceberg for what is to come.
Cuvee Sainte-Catherine is made from the prime mid-slope plots on Schlossberg between 320 and 420 meters above sea level. This combination of altitude, low-vigour soils and low yields is potent and yields a deep, dry, mineral Riesling with intense freshness to balance the wine core of fruit. A worthy investment, for well dressed cellars.
Maker:
Domaine Weinbach is celebrated as one of Alsace's top producers and, by extension, one of the finest aromatic estates globally. Despite its acclaim, it remains refreshingly modest. Under the stewardship of the Faller sisters, Catherine and Laurence, the Domaine manages 27 hectares of predominantly Grand Cru vineyards, including the renowned Schlossberg. Since 2005, they have embraced biodynamic farming. Domaine Weinbach’s wines, known for their power and purity, rank among the best aromatic whites available today. They offer exceptional quality at a price comparable to top white Burgundies and premium German Rieslings.
Positioned at the base of the grand Schlossberg hill, Domaine Weinbach’s "wine stream," named after the small stream that runs through it, was originally built by Capuchin monks in 1612. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A prominent figure in Alsace, Théo Faller was a outspoken promoter for the recognition of Alsace wines as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and dedicated himself to enhancing the Estate’s quality and terroir.
From 1979, Théo's wife Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence continued his legacy with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine Faller, alongside her sons Eddy and another Théo, has been at the helm, perpetuating the Domaine’s tradition of producing exceptional Alsace wines.
Vineyard:
The 2022 releases from Domaine Weinbach underscore the estate’s brilliance. The growing season was notably dry and warm, with no disease pressure affecting the pristine fruit. While the dryness was manageable and did not lead to drought conditions, yields were lower than average. This reduction, however, resulted in wines of remarkable concentration and vibrant fruit flavours. Domaine Weinbach’s wines are renowned for their longevity and consistent high standards, a tradition that has been upheld for decades.
Riesling is the star in 2022, with four distinct options. Cuvee Theo, from the sand and gravel of Clos des Capucins, alaways the most approachable. Cuvee Colette stands out for its impressive minerality and power, coming from granite at the base of the Schlossberg hill. The Grand Crus from Schlossberg are exceptional: Schlossberg itself comes from the highest, poorest soil at the top of the hill (98 Points), while Cuvee Sainte-Catherine is made from the prime mid-slope plots on Schlossberg. Stuart Pigott awarded Cuvee Sainte-Catherine 100 points, calling it "a perfect masterpiece of minerality." These are truly timeless wines—worthy of investing in now to enjoy their rewards in the years to come.
Nose - Amalfi Lemon, Taut Yellow Fruits, Flint
Spray of ripe Amalfi lemon zest, ripe and so fresh, imbued with a touch of smoke - like rocks bashed together.
Palate - Stone Fruits, Meyer Lemon, Piercing Acid
Ripe, juicy, mouth-watering Amalfi and Meyer lemon are the stars on the clean-cut, taut and stony palate, and their juiciness and aroma make the mouth water
Finish - Stony Minerals, Lemon Zest, Mouth Coating Finis
The mouth-coating, zesty finish lasts and lasts. Where the other wines have pith, this has zest.
Still extremely youthful on the nose, which is not something you expect from such a warm and dry vintage, but that is typical for the greatest 2022 wines. This astonishing dry riesling starts off very minerally, but that doesn’t prepare you for the way its stony profundity expands and expands as its climbs into the sky like a rocket ascending. And somehow, all this feels so effortless, so delicate and so breathtakingly precise. - Stuart Piggot, 100 Points.
The 2022 Riesling Cuvée Ste. Catherine Schlossberg Grand Cru opens with a spray of ripe Amalfi lemon zest, ripe and so fresh, imbued with a touch of smoke. Ripe, juicy, mouth-watering Amalfi and Meyer lemon are the stars on the clean-cut, taut and stony palate, and their juiciness and aroma make the mouth water. It displays vivid, concentrated juiciness and immense zestiness. The mouth-coating, zesty finish lasts and lasts. Where the other wines have pith, this has zest. - 96 points, Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
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