2024 Schloss Johannisberg Gelblack Riesling Trocken, Rheingau

This beautiful dry Rheingau riesling has complex aromas of yellow peaches, grapefruit, kiwis and red gooseberries with a hint of orange blossoms that delights and teases. Remarkable concentration and vitality for an entry-level wine. Very long, structured and complete finish that is simultaneously ripe, cool and properly dry. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling

Schloss Johannisberg is woven into the history of Riesling itself. Vines have grown on this magnificent Rheingau hillside for centuries, and in 1720 the estate became the first major vineyard planted exclusively to Riesling. Its famous 1775 delayed harvest also helped establish the possibilities of late picked Riesling. Gelblack is one of the most accessible ways into the Schloss Johannisberg range, made dry and with all the citrus snap and stony character that makes Rheingau Riesling so compelling.

The Schloss Johannisberg vineyard rises above the Rhine on the foothills of the Taunus, with south facing slopes and quartzite rich soils. The river helps moderate temperatures, while the elevated position and exposure encourage a long ripening season. The 2024 has a lovely combination of aromatic fruit and freshness, and the Trocken style keeps everything firmly dry and focused.

Pale straw with green highlights, the bouquet is bright with lime, green apple and white peach, followed by grapefruit, lemon blossom and a touch of apricot. Crushed stone, fresh herbs and a faint smoky note sit quietly underneath. The palate is crisp and energetic, with lime and grapefruit driving the wine while peach provides a little flesh through the middle. Firm acidity and a subtle mineral grip lead into a dry, mouthwatering finish of citrus zest and stone.

Salt and pepper squid with chilli and lime would disappear quickly alongside this, as would prawn and chive dumplings, Vietnamese turmeric fish with dill, chicken schnitzel or steamed snapper with ginger and spring onion. Our pick is the turmeric fish. Aromatic herbs, ginger and sweet fish alongside the Riesling’s lime, peach and mineral bite should be terrific.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2034.