Schlumberger Riesling Kitterlé Grand Cru

Ranked among the best wines in the world, the Riesling is one of Alsace’s biggest successes. Introduced in the 15th century, and originating from the Orleanois region, it is different from its German counterpart and from the numerous Riesling, which can now be found a little all over the world. A late-ripening grape variety, it continues to ripen at low temperatures, but gives marvelous results when there is a sunny, dry, late summer. First distinguished in 1699, Kitterlé has always had an exceptional reputation. Already protected in the middle ages, it has been sold under its own name since 1830. 

Winemaker notes

The robe is lemon yellow with green reflections of medium intensity. The disk is bright, limpid and transparent. The wine shows youth. The nose is marked, pleasant and intense. We perceive a dominant of scents of delicate vegetal, white flowers and citrus fruits (lemon zest and lime). The airing enhances the previous scents and reveals a mineral touch of naphtha, slightly smoked. Ripe and complex, the fragrance profile gives prominence to the terroir. It requires time to assert itself. The onset in the mouth is moderately ample, slender. The alcohol support is balanced. The wine evolves on a medium with a frank liveliness, marked by a sparkling note. The range of flavours is in line with that of the nose, still dominated by citrus fruits (clementine, lime), white flowers, spices (ginger) and this slight yet complex smoked mineral touch of naphtha. We can taste a delicate bitterness. The finish has a long length, 5-6 caudalies, as well as a frank and persistent liveliness. The profile is pure and crystalline, embellished by the terroir character. It requires time to open.

2014

James Suckling 94: Ten years on, this is showing pineapple and lemon aromas with chamomile, white tobacco and a touch of beeswax. Some honey. Rich and concentrated on the palate with a full body and welcoming, open layers of yellow fruit, always with a mineral undertone. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 95: The nose is a little shy, just hinting at citrus freshness. The very dry palate brings all the freshness to the fore—this is lithe and vividly lemony. Exquisite tartness tingles deliciously on the tongue and ripples its vivid rays of shimmering bright light across the senses—what a picture of 2014. If you like it emollient and rounded this is not for you. This is for lovers of bright uncompromising purity and freshness. This has real verve, bags of it, all backed up with serious lemon fruit. Gorgeously refreshing now but it will be even better with time. Drink 2017–2037.

2017

James Suckling 94: A beautiful white that shows a hint of cinnamon and spice, spread out on the top of chalky and flinty aromas, which themselves give way to guava peel and lemon zest. Quite long and powerful on the palate, which frames a tightly knit but robust portrait of zesty apricots and apples.