2020 Robert Weil Kiedrich Klosterberg Riesling Trocken, Rheingau

The vines on this steep, four-hectare vineyard are now between 40 and 60-years-old. At up to 300 metres, this is the highest of the three Weil hillside sites, yet thanks to its southern aspect and deeper, iron-rich weathered slate soils, it also produces the most opulent and seductive of these wines (when young). The Weil team often use the term ‘baroque’ when describing wines from Klosterberg, in reference to the lift and generosity. There are some similarities in character with the Kiedricher but there is a kick up in the intensity and drive on the finish.
 
Raised entirely in doppelstückfass the 2020 was aged on the full lees until late July for the first time (instead of April, like in the former vintages). There is a sublime elegance and quiet power this year. We found crystalline stone fruits with hints of red apple, laced through a palate of gossamer texture: every note precisely balanced by striking glistening acidity.

Intense white-thorn and spring aromas, underlined by a hint of white bread (from long sur-lie maturation) and lime zest pull you into this racy dry riesling that’s brimming with energy, in spite of its sleek silhouette. Very long and complex wet-stone and wild-herb finish. Average vine age of over 50 years! Drink or hold.

94 points Stuart Pigott jamessuckling.com

This brings a remarkable, delicate, subtle and articulated, very elegant and flinty, almost Mosel-like Riesling bouquet of bright fruit aromas (mango, passion fruit) intertwined with notes of crushed iron and stones. Juicy, piquant and stimulatingly salty on the palate, this is a very elegant and substantial Riesling with juicy, refined fruit and a long, intense and refined finish that is carried by a highly stimulating mineral acidity and serious structure. This is an excellent Klosterberg, most probably among the finest I have tasted from this vineyard. Very long, piquant and highly salivating.

 94 points Stephan Reinhardt robertparker.com