2023 A. Christmann Neustadter Vogelsang Riesling Grosses Gewächs

2.7 Ha plot, Riesling, Shell Limestone, South exposure, 160-280m above sea level, 25% slope inclination, Soil: shell limestone.

Supplied to the Bavarian royal court in the 19th and early 20th century and sung about in poetry, the Neustadt Vogelsang has fallen into oblivion as a location due to speculation on building land. The magnificent nature led to a protected status and therefore prevented the construction plans. This is how the vineyard came into our hands in 2017. It is one of the most exciting projects in many years in the Palatinate and far beyond. The soil consists of more than 200 million years old shell limestone, which came to the surface during the collapse of the Oberrheingraben (Upper Rhine Graben) and is unique in this form in the Mittelhaardt region. The vineyard slopes quite steeply to the south with a gradient of up to 50%. Due to its location at the end of the Neustadter Valley, at an altitude of up to 260m, there are significant temperature differences between day and night, which create a lot of tension in the wine. – Steffen and Sophie Christmann

The striking nose of lemon curd pulls you inexorably into this masterpiece of northerly riesling elegance, from a region where warmth and generosity prevail. Excellent concentration without a hint of weight. It is this delicacy that makes the wine so compelling. I love the elegance of the very long and precise finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 96 points. Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com Aug 2024