2016 - Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling GG, Keller

The nose here is surprisingly subdued, offering intimations of citrus and crushed stone. But the wine delivers a veritable mouthful of chalk along with juicy, oregano-laced lime, grapefruit and white peach. Firm in feel but not austerely hard, it finishes with a vivid sense of energy and a piquant peach kernel glow that never turns into outright bitterness or precludes a striking sense of transparency to stony and alkaline nuances.

Partly pressed in a basket press (60%), the 2016 Kirchspiel Riesling GG opens with a clear, fresh, chalky and intensely fruity nose. This is a rich, juicy, concentrated and fresh dry Riesling from calcareous soils that reveals a lot of tension, salt and vitality. Fine tannins here. Great concentration, juiciness and lingering salinity, with great grip and tension. An impressive wine!

Among Keller`s Grosse Gewächse, the Kirchspiel is often regarded as Cinderella before she went to the ball, less hyped than her sisters, but her beauty obvious to the observant. Her gentle perfume of elderflower and fine citrus aromas certainly invites you to make her acquaintance. On the palate, gooseberry and grapefruit cause a certain tingle, further stimulation of the taste buds being provided by a sprinkling of fresh green herbs and a cool, salty tang. Truly invigorating style of Grosses Gewächs. (MS)