Grand Cru Riesling Lineup 3.0
- Mixed
- Alsace
This case of Alsatian Grand Cru epiphanies is just about the best way to taste the magical effects of terroir around. Each riesling comes from a different grand cru vineyard, each with its own unique soil type, and each is stunning in its own right.
Every case contains ONE of each of the following:
White
-
- Riesling
-
- Alsace
- Riesling
- Alsace
According to Julien Schaal, the Rangen Grand Cru is considered the Montrachet of Alsace - wow! Big call, but we canāt disagree that this riesling has all of the layers, depth and class of a top Burgundy. The vineyard is ridiculously steep and the soil is volcanic, which you can see in the wineās minerality. This vintage is a ripper and thereās fruit richness to counterbalance acidity, working well with the mineral drive of the wine. A textural palate, with pithy citrus and juicy fruit sweetness, thereās an almost limoncello type vibe about it. Balanced, concentrated and delicious.
White
-
- Riesling
-
- Alsace
- Riesling
- Alsace
Wine Dealer extraordinaire, Jackson, called out just how silky this one is. Lemon juice spiked minerality makes for a refreshing flavour profile, finishing long and satisfying with golden apple pear skin and just a touch of juicy yellow peach.
White
-
- Riesling
-
- Alsace
- Riesling
- Alsace
This is the newest Grand Cru riesling for Julen Schaal, coming from the granite soils of Brand. The vineyard is distinctive for its powerful minerality and the approachability of the wines at a young age. Regarding this specific wine, Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl says it best: A smoky touch of reduction still clings to zesty citrus notions on this wine's nose. The citrus takes over the streamlined, fresh but ripe palate that tingles with lemon-peel intensity. Fresh but ripe, the long finish is alive with that lemon-peel note.
White
-
- Riesling
-
- Alsace
- Riesling
- Alsace
āLemon curd on slate tile,ā says Eddie. I agree, though itās not quite as tragic, or as messy, as your toast falling face-down on the kitchen floor. It is quite slatey though, and glorious for it. Rainy mountainside vibes abound, backed by florals and a touch of musk.
White
-
- Riesling
-
- Alsace
- Riesling
- Alsace
The Schaalās have won us over with their wonderful expressions of Alsace, and this is one of their big guns, from 50 year old vines on steep, exposed slopes. I thought itād therefore be all power and strapping acidity, but its power is in its effortless charm. The usual soft citrus has added dimension, and where an Aussie riesling might just have more intensity, this has layers. Thereās a core of commanding minerality, but itās wrapped up in threads of melon, lemon, elderflower, honeysuckle and jasmine. Despite the aromatics and the floral overtones, the palate is soft but dry, and speaks of many years ahead. Iād say itās a shame to have now, but it most certainly wasnāt! Just donāt tell anyone. I promise to keep the next one in the cellar for awhile. Till Christmas, at least. If you have more restraint than me, Wine Enthusiast reckon thisāll go happily years, at least. Good luck with that, mofos.
White
-
- Riesling
-
- Alsace
- Riesling
- Alsace
This is a cheat day riesling if ever there was one. Riotously full-flavoured the second you take a sip, itās then whisked away by a flash of bright acidity that leaves you longing for more, while the embers of the intensely citrus, peach and pineapple-driven palate sizzle on the palate long after. Thereās complexity to spare, as youād expect of a riesling from a Grand Cru site, and the unique character of the terroir is screamingly obvious. One you could hold onto for decades, but thatās no less entrancing right now.