2022 Andre Kientzler Osterberg Riesling Grand Cru, Alsace

A very cool and sophisticated dry riesling with an intensely mineral personality on the powerful but very focused palate. The terrific interplay of tightly wound Amalfi lemon fruit, herbal freshness and austere stony minerality gives this great energy in the very long and linear finish. Great aging potential. Drink or hold. 13.5 % Alc/Vol; 2.75 g/l RS; 6.35 g/l TA.

95 points Stuart Pigott for James Suckling May 2024 

The Kientzler family have been crafting wines in Ribeauvillé since 1699 and are regarded as one of the great names of Alsace. André Kientzler helped establish the estate's reputation for wines of purity, precision and longevity, with a philosophy centred on allowing each vineyard to express its own personality. Today the family continues to farm some of the region's finest slopes with the same respect for tradition and terroir.

Osterberg is one of Ribeauvillé's most prized Grand Cru vineyards, perched on steep hillsides overlooking the village below. The site combines limestone, marl and sandstone soils, producing Rieslings that balance generosity and concentration with remarkable finesse and mineral energy. It is a vineyard renowned for wines that can age gracefully for decades while remaining approachable in their youth.

The colour is a brilliant pale straw with flashes of green gold. Aromas of lime blossom, preserved lemon and white peach rise from the glass alongside notes of grapefruit, acacia flowers and wet stone. The palate is beautifully layered and precise, carrying flavours of citrus and stone fruit over a finely textured mineral backbone. There is wonderful tension between fruit richness and vibrant acidity, with a saline edge and chalky persistence that linger long after the final sip.

This Grand Cru Riesling is superb alongside South Australian King George whiting, lobster with herb butter, roast chicken with morels and cream, or a caramelised onion and Gruyère tart inspired by the cuisine of Alsace. Delicious in its youth yet built for the long haul, it should continue to evolve beautifully through to 2045 and beyond.