2015 Kreuznacher Kahlenberg
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Bittersweet floral suggestions of iris and gentian along with penetrating scents of cassis and sloe berry set the tone for a Riesling that’s slightly aloof but fascinating. The palate is texturally more alluring and (even at 12.5% alcohol) more buoyant than that of the corresponding Tonschiefer. The prolonged, finely-focused finishing interaction of juicy pear and lime with dark berries and crystalline stony impingements is enhanced by a mouthwatering streak of salinity. “You have to pick from this relatively warm site early enough to insure that the wine doesn’t become too broad but instead becomes more precise,” notes Dönnhoff, and as father and son team have gained more experience with the Kahlenberg they have clearly come closer to that goal.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2015 (Kreuznacher) Kahlenberg Riesling Trocken is from gravelly conglomerate soils with quartzite, but not much clay, and from the wider and warmer part of the valley. It offers a warmer and denser Riesling bouquet with ripe yellow-skinned apple aromas and a delicate smokiness. The wine is full-bodied, round and piquant, showing nice finesse and grip, and it has a juicy, well-structured, dry finish with citrus flavors.
From 2001, Helmut planted it for the old state domaine. Deep colour. Very tense and dry. Really racy. Very lifted and bone dry. Aperitif wine! (JR)