Schlumberger Kessler Riesling Grand Cru

The Kessler grows on a sandstone soil and displays in its centre a valley that is globally facing east, south-east, which protects it from north winds and cold air streams brought by the valley of Guebwiller. As a natural extension of the Grand Cru Kitterle, its subsoils are reddish over Vosgean sandstone bedrock. At its base, an outcrop of limestone results in clay soils.

Winemaker notes

The robe is light yellow with green reflections, of good intensity. The disk is bright, limpid and transparent. The wine shows youth. The nose is marked, pleasant and intense. Sophisticated, we perceive a dominant of citrus scents, lemon zest, white flowers and spiced ginger. The airing enhances these scents and reveals complex and smoky hydrocarbon notes. Despite its youth, the Kessler shows a mineral character asserted in a crystalline and pure profile. The onset in the mouth is dense and the alcohol support is full-bodied. The wine evolves on a strict and sharp medium, marked by a sparkling note. We find the same aromas as on the nose, still dominated by citrus fruits, lemon zest, white flowers, spices, ginger and this complex and mineral smoky touch. The finish has a long length, 11-12 caudalies, as well as a frank and persistent liveliness. The balance of this wine is focused on freshness. Incisive and crystalline, it shows an aromatic complexity, still a bit austere, that should reach its zenith in a few years.

2007

Wine Enthusiast 94: With a few years' aging, this is beginning to show its almond and toast side. The fresh acidity is now melding beautifully into a soft, ripe texture with layers of spice and acidity. Certainly worth aging further. 

2018

Wine Enthusiast 92: Savory shale aromas are met with bright Meyer lemon. This wine is bright and sunshiny, with flavors of lemon, lime and grapefruit zest, as well as lemon curd and salinity. The finish is long and tangy. Though quite linear, this wine is just bursting with life and ready for a plate of oysters to accompany it.