2021 Andre Kientzler Kirchberg Riesling Grand Cru, Alsace

Rhubarb as a descriptor for young dry rieslings can suggest unripeness, but that's not the case with this sleek but seriously structured wine that is rippling with stony character. The long, cool and herbal finish is pretty radical, but this is the steeliness we expect from very minerally rieslings in cooler vintages. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

94 points James Suckling

Pure aromas with notes of white fruit. Deep and broad palate, carved with an amazing acidity for a Pinot Gris. The wine, on a semi-dry balance, stretches for some time on the palate with a predominantly mineral character. Grand Cru Kirchberg defines wines by elegance and here refinement is at every step of the wine. 14.0% Alc/Vol; 1.1 g/l RS; 6.64 g/l TA.
A lot of reserve and precision in the Pinot Gris from Kirchberg, promising a harmonious development.

93 points Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France, La Revue du Vin de France, 2024

The Kientzler family have been shaping the vineyards around Ribeauvillé since 1699 and remain one of Alsace's most respected names. André Kientzler helped establish the estate as a benchmark producer of site expressive Rieslings, with a philosophy built around low yields, meticulous vineyard work and allowing each terroir to tell its own story.

Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé is one of the village's great Grand Cru vineyards, rising steeply above the town on limestone and marl soils that have been prized for centuries. The site is renowned for producing Rieslings that combine generosity and power with remarkable finesse, often showing a softer, more approachable personality in youth before developing impressive complexity with age.

The colour is a brilliant pale straw with glints of gold. Aromas of lime blossom, white peach and Meyer lemon leap from the glass, followed by notes of green apple, jasmine and crushed stone. The palate is concentrated yet beautifully composed, layering citrus and stone fruit flavours over a fine mineral backbone. A subtle saline edge and vibrant acidity bring energy and precision, while the finish lingers with notes of lemon zest and wet limestone.

A wonderful partner for lobster with herb butter, grilled snapper with fennel and citrus, roast chicken with tarragon, or a creamy leek and Gruyère tart. Drinking beautifully in its youth yet possessing the structure and balance to reward cellaring through to 2040 and beyond.