Highest praise for Koehler-Ruprecht ‘18s from Wine Advocate
It was a little heartbreaking to have been invited a few months back to Kallstadt in the Pfalz to partake of a monumental vertical tasting of Koehler-Ruprecht’s Saumagen grand cru wines. The limestone-strewn vineyard is epic, and this extraordinary producer breaks the mould with its singular, mind-blowing Rieslings grown there.
We weren’t the only ones disappointed to miss out. Wine Advocate critic Stephan Reinhardt had to give it a miss, too, but ended up tasting a heap of the wines at home. He then penned a fantastic dissertation on the site and estate.
Clearly, we’re far from the only Aussie fans of these wines, as evidenced by the low stocks of all Saumagen wines. However, there’s no doubt that the character and quality of Koehler-Ruprecht shines right across the range.
“From what I have tasted this summer I can say that 2018 is a terrific vintage for the Saumagen and nothing less than spectacular for Koehler-Ruprecht, with stunningly pure and refreshing wines despite the warm and sunny vintage,” was Reinhardt’s verdict. And the village Riesling is the place to get on board!
2018 Koehler-Ruprecht Kallstadter Riesling Kabinett trocken $33
The 2018 Kallstadter Riesling Kabinett trocken is clear and floral on the nose, with butter, white asparagus and herbal notes and elegant, flinty fruit aromas. Tight and fresh on the palate, this is a straight and tensioned dry Riesling with grip, salinity and a firm phenolic structure yet also finesse and elegance. The wine is dense and vital, and I like the certain rustic character. KR lithe at its best. 11.5% alcohol.
92 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate August 2020