Riesling
Along with Chardonnay, Riesling is one of the top white grapes in the world. It is an aromatic grape that can produce dry to very sweet dessert wines. It is most popular in Germany, Alsace and Austria, but excellent varietal wines can be found throughout the world including in Australia and New York. Riesling-based wines typically express notes of apple, citrus, honey and petrol. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Riesling among our extensive Riesling wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Riesling reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Riesling, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Johannishof 2003 Johannisberger Hölle Beerenauslese Riesling (Rheingau)
- $132
Wonderfully rich and sweet, yet while this completely coats the palate with superripe apples and honey flavors, it never seems like too much. Despite low acidity, the sweetness is balanced by powerful minerality on the long finish. Imported by Valckenberg International, Inc.
— J.C.
(2/1/2006)
Trimbach 2000 Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling
- $42
This is one of Alsace’s greatest Rieslings, a wine from the grand cru vineyard of Osterberg. It is bone dry, a style that remains a passion for the Trimbachs. With its steely, mineral character, and its grapefruit flavors, it can seem too austere. But just wait 10 years—the wine will be transformed. This is superb Riesling by any standard. Imported by Diageo…
— R.V.
(11/1/2005)
Domaine Weinbach 2002 Grand Cru Cuvée Ste Catherine L'Inédit Riesling
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $75
That Laurence Faller is able to conjure wonders from her family’s great estate is an incontrovertible fact. But if further proof were needed, here it is in the shape of a fabulous Riesling from a small parcel of vines. It has enormous fruit, which is so pure, so steely and rich at the same time. It has hedgerow fruits, packing in behind finesse and elegance, with…
— R.V.
(5/1/2005)
Bründlmayer 2001 Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben Riesling (Kamptal)
- Cellar Selection
- $49
The nose is both deceptive and enticing, with its sweet fruit and honey aromas. But they lead to a stunningly rich wine from the great Heiligenstein vineyard, one that is dry with a fine mineral character. It has flavors of pink grapefruit, hedgerow fruit, white currants and a layer of tannin to give structure. This great wine will age for a long time—10 to 15…
— R.V.
(8/1/2005)
Peter Nicolay 2004 Ürziger Würzgarten Eiswein Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
- Cellar Selection
- $125
This wine’s intense aromas of honey, oranges and tea seem almost a little roasted or caramelized, but on the palate the flavors are brilliantly defined and focused by vibrant acidity that brighten the bold citrus and honey notes. A rich and viscous mouthfeel, yet miraculously crisp at the same time; the acids keep the finish echoing in your mouth for a long, long time.
— J.C.
(9/1/2006)
Prager 2005 Achleiten Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
- Cellar Selection
- $48
This wine is going to age, and age magnificently. That’s obvious from the taut, structured tannins and the curve of flavors that rise from the perfumes through peach and white fruits and finishing with fresh, juicy acidity.
— R.V.
(10/1/2006)
Weinrieder 2003 Schneiderberg Eiswein Riesling (Niederösterreich)
- Cellar Selection
- $70
What a beautiful wine, with honey, perfumes, acidity and delicate fruit. It is certainly ripe, with tropical fruits and a pure citric streak. But more than the parts is the sum: The acidity promises long bottle aging, but the pleasure is also there now. Treasure this wine—none was produced in 2004 or in 2005.
— R.V.
(10/1/2006)
Bründlmayer 2005 Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben Riesling (Kamptal)
- Editors' Choice
The purest Riesling flavors are to be found in this great wine. At this stage, it is still very tight and closed up, but there is so much leashed power there, along with complex hints of fruits, minerals and exotic perfumes. Give it at least five years, and it will begin to slowly evolve.
— R.V.
(10/1/2006)
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