Schlumberger Saering Riesling Grand Cru

First mentioned in 1250, the Saering plot escapes from the hill and extends like a peninsula on the plain, forming a sort of tongue of land in the form of a ring. It has been sold under its own since 1830. To the north of Guebwiller, Saering faces east and southeast at an altitude of 260 to 300. Saering ‘marl/limestone/sandstone terroir brings out the best in this magnificent, fine, delicate Riesling.

Winemaker notes

The colour is lemon yellow with light green reflections, of medium intensity. The disc is shiny, limpid and transparent. The wine presents youth. The nose is frank, pleasant and of great intensity. We perceive a dominant of fruity scents, citrus fruits, zest of yuzu, lemon and star fruit. Aeration amplifies these smells and reveals coconut milk, white flowers and spices, grated ginger. The perfect quality of the grapes translates a racy odour profile, refreshing to perfection. The attack on the palate is slender, the alcohol support balanced. We evolve on an incisive medium, marked by pearling. We find the range of aromas of the nose, focused on citrus fruits, lemon zest, yuzu, star fruit, coconut milk, white flowers and spices, ginger. We feel a hint of firm bitterness. The finish presents a great length, 11-12 caudalies, as well as a frank liveliness and a persistent bitterness. The balance is tense, structured by great mineral bitterness. The range of aromas provides great pleasure. Great Riesling in the making.

2014

Wine Enthusiast 96: A touch of lemon balm adds a breezy freshness to the nose, while a pure, bright and precise notion of ripe lemon pervades and takes over the entire palate. On its fringes, delicious hints of chamomile and chervil appear alongside ripe red apple. This is a tantalizing charmer in spite of its absolute dryness and vivid acidity. *Editors' Choice*

2021

Vinous 92: The 2021 Riesling Saering Grand Cru is grown on Jurassic limestone. The first mention of this site was in 1250. It was an island surrounded by an inland sea. At Schlumberger, Saering is made only from the part of the grand cru that was this island. The nose is subtle with lemon rind. The palate is concentrated and pervaded by bright, ripe lemony freshness. The body is slender but a picture of citrus freshness and brightness, in line with this cooler year, tingling almost like lemon sherbet but based on undeniable stoniness. (Bone-dry)

Wine Enthusiast 93: Dainty apricot aromas are bolstered by scents of lemon zest and ocean spray. While this wine is defined by lemony acidity, its texture is soft, creating an overall impression that's friendly and welcoming. Minerality leads into a long finish that hints at petrol qualities. This wine could easily spend a few years in the cellar to let those characteristics develop. But those who don't want to wait will find a friendly, sunny wine that perfectly balances racy citrus zest, saline mineral notes and a bit of soft, juicy stone fruit.