WINE ADVOCATE - 91 POINTS The 2022 Kirchspiel Riesling Kabinett is clear and spicy on the intense and fruity nose that reveals clove notes intertwined with slightly stewed apple aromas. Round and elegant on the palate, this is a saline, finely grippy and stimulating Kabinett with tension. This is a Mosel-worthy Kabinett cultivated on calcareous Westhofen soils. It's adorable. 8% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted at the domaine in July 2023.
Katharina and her newlywed husband and partner, Manuel Wechsler, cultivate 18 hectares of vineyards in Westhofen. Their plots have been certified organic since the 2021 vintage. The 2022 vintage brought very small berries until the rain in early September, which "rescued the vintage," says Katharina. To preserve the acidity and tannins, the grapes were not macerated this year but pressed as whole clusters immediately. During my visit in the summer, there were mainly 2021s but also the first 2022 Prädikate and a delicious Scheurebe to taste, which have become very promising here and gave hope for the dry wines of the vintage. The 2021s are also excellent, and with double the power, we can expect a lot here for the future, if the vintages play along, even if one of my favorites of recent years will no longer be produced after 2022: the Riesling Spatlese Schweisstropfchen from the Kirchspiel.
By Stephan Reinhardt. Published: Dec 29, 2023
JAMES SUCKLING - 91 POINTS Plenty of dripping leaves and herb garden character is married to juicy white peach fruit on the vibrant palate. High acidity for the 2022 context (though not for this category) giving this a long dynamic finish. From young vines. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap. Stuart Pigott, Senior Editor
Katharina and her newlywed husband and partner, Manuel Wechsler, cultivate 18 hectares of vineyards in Westhofen. Their plots have been certified organic since the 2021 vintage. The 2022 vintage brought very small berries until the rain in early September, which "rescued the vintage," says Katharina. To preserve the acidity and tannins, the grapes were not macerated this year but pressed as whole clusters immediately. During my visit in the summer, there were mainly 2021s but also the first 2022 Prädikate and a delicious Scheurebe to taste, which have become very promising here and gave hope for the dry wines of the vintage. The 2021s are also excellent, and with double the power, we can expect a lot here for the future, if the vintages play along, even if one of my favorites of recent years will no longer be produced after 2022: the Riesling Spatlese Schweisstropfchen from the Kirchspiel.
By Stephan Reinhardt. Published: Dec 29, 2023
JAMES SUCKLING - 91 POINTS Plenty of dripping leaves and herb garden character is married to juicy white peach fruit on the vibrant palate. High acidity for the 2022 context (though not for this category) giving this a long dynamic finish. From young vines. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap. Stuart Pigott, Senior Editor
