Kientzler Riesling Geisberg / 2023 / 375mL

Description:

The Kientzler Riesling Geisberg Grand Cru 2023 is a dry, tightly wound Alsace Riesling with real mineral drive rather than fruit weight, here in a 375mL half bottle. Sourced from the steep, south-facing limestone and sandstone slopes of the Geisberg Grand Cru above Ribeauvillé, it is a serious wine in a format built for two glasses rather than a long night.

Lime peel, white peach and grapefruit lead the aromatics, with the faint kerosene lift that good Alsace Riesling develops and a wet-stone edge underneath. Air brings out orchard fruit and a touch of dried ginger.

The palate is precise and taut, dry through the middle, with ripe stone fruit filling out a frame held firm by mature, well-pitched acidity. Texture is fine rather than plush, and the finish is long, salty and clean. A warm 2023 growing season across Alsace ripened the fruit fully without blunting that tension, and Riesling yields were small around Ribeauvillé, which shows in the concentration.

Pour it alongside steamed snapper with ginger and shallot, choucroute, prawn dumplings, or a plate of raclette and pickles. Sashimi and freshly shucked oysters work just as well.

Drinking well from 2026 through to about 2033. Bear in mind a half bottle ages faster than a 750mL, so this will hit its stride earlier and is worth pulling before the full-bottle version.