Product Information:
Riesling is the star of Alsace in 2022. The Grand Crus from Schlossberg are exceptional: The Grand Cru Schlossberg Riesling itself comes from three of the family’s highest parcels at the top of the hill. Situated between 320 and 420 meters up the slope. 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’s fruity core. Ageing effortlessly for 20+ years.
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 - Flinty, Lemon Zest, Yellow Peach
Reductive, flinty smokiness with lemon zest on the nose. With more air, white and yellow peach.
Palate - Stony Minerals, Juicy White Peach, Zest
So light on its feet, in spite of the major stony minerality throughout the palate, juicy stonefruit.
Finish - Pith, Talc, Pure Crystalline Finish
Crystalline fruit and fine acid freshness. Bone Dry, stony minerality.
How can you resist the delicacy and finesse of this super-elegant dry riesling? So light on its feet, in spite of the major stony minerality that reaches every nook and cranny of your palate. So pristine and straight in the crystaline finish that doesn’t want to stop. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold. - James Suckling, 98 Points.
The 2022 Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru blends its reductive, flinty smokiness with lemon zest on the nose. With more air, white and yellow peach start smiling through and get stronger and juicier on the palate. The pale peach juiciness appears in full purity on the palate, framed with a pleasantly astringent pithiness that makes the mouth water. More peach and fruit and fine freshness are just within reach. The finish is shorter than usual but bone-dry. This is a picture of stone. (Bone-Dry) - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous, 94 points.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
