2014 Sekt Riesling Brut
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Kauffmann’s second vintage of basic von Buhl Sekt from contract grapes once again reflects many different lots and villages from the entire length of the Pfalz (but with an especially large share of fruit from Ruppertsberg). This will undergo numerous disgorgements – in early September 2016 I tasted and describe here a June disgorgement – but there is only a single, large cuvée . One departure from 2013 is that going forward, each bottle will be given three months to rest and evolve post-disgorgement before it leaves the winery. A lovely nose displays almond tending toward frangipane and ripe pear reminiscent of a really fine Normandy Sydre. The palate offers a winsome combination of creaminess, tenderness and vivacity, with fresh lemon, oregano, mouthwatering mineral salts and suggestions of toasted brioche complementing the fruit on a lusciously lingering finish. (For more about Kauffmann’s approach, consult my tasting note on the 2013.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Smells as if wild mint and tarragon have been ground up with green apples and chalk dust. This is a lean, green, aperitif fizz, chiselled out of cold stones and lime juice. Liquid whetstone. Bring on the som tam ! (TC)
This is more complex than the Dr Loosen, riper fruit, both citrus and more tropical, as well as a light yeasty note. Richer and fuller on the palate too. Off to medium dry, fresh and lively. I’m not totally convinced about bubbles and Riesling but this is a good example with a crisp, mouth-watering finish. (JH)
The 2014 Von Buhl Riesling offers a clear and intense stone fruit bouquet followed by a clear, dry and racy palate with a fairly complex, powerful finish. This is already a mouthful of Riesling that will benefit from further bottle aging. It's not just too young but also too ambitious for an easy drinking wine. The finish is piquant, lemon-fresh and so grippy that I can't imagine having this 13% alcohol wine without food. (I tasted from AP #115.)