The 2016 and 2017 vintages of Schaal’s new Riesling star were veritable mineral showers, both earning 95-point scores from the Wine Enthusiast. They haven’t rated this 2018 yet, but Suckling rates it above every previous Schaal…including his brilliant Rosacker!
And I agree. Like the best 2018s in Chablis, this is a rare vintage that’s utterly, perfectly ripe – the very fullest expression of the grape and site – yet not in the least overripe. There’s a pristine, even ethereal and ineffable quality to this that’s the very essence of Grand Vin breed and class.
Suckling says:
An elegant wine that delivers a very fresh and spicy nose that has abundant apples and limes,leading to a very pure, driven palate that delivers a very assertive, powerful and focused finish. Drink or hold.
(Schaal says it will age 20 to 25 years.)
If there’s such a thing as a 100-point dry Riesling, one which couldn’t possibly be better, I’d say this one clocks in at about 97.
What’s more, because it’s a Riesling – and because it’s from Julien Schaal, those of you who understand how truly exquisite and rewarding these wines are can have this for a tiny fraction the price you’d pay for an equivalent quality white Burgundy, or for that matter Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
This is simply THE best value in classic, world beating dry white wine. Period.
