Robert Parker 96
The Niersteiner 2023 Schloss Schwabsburg Riesling Beerenauslese is clear and intense on the nose that shows perfect raisin aromas intermingled with crystalline terroir notes. Dense and round on the palate, this is an elegant, savory and crystalline Riesling with remarkable finesse and savoriness. The finish is saline and sensual, with finesse and a playful fruit character. The sweetness is uplifted by the crystalline acidity and the overall finesse and piquancy. This is a fabulous BA. It was filled into 375-milliliter bottles with 6.5% stated alcohol and sealed with a natural cork. Tasted in September 2024.
Robert Parker 93+
From 40-year-old vines harvested in two passages, the Niersteiner 2023 Hipping Alte Reben Riesling trocken is fine, intense and elegant as well as smoky on the finely flinty and lemony, very attractive nose. Kept on the mash for a whole day and vinified in oval 1,200-liter oak vats (stücks) until June this year, this is a full-bodied, dense, ripe and almost opulent yet elegant and balanced Riesling with fine acidity, good tension, mineral finesse and stimulating crystalline and saline acidity. Very long and intense on the finish yet not alcoholic, this is a substantial Hipping with excellent aging potential. It’s a little overripe and sweetish (even though the residual sugar is lower than in 2022). 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2024.
Robert Parker 92
Aged on the lees until June this year, the Niersteiner 2023 Pettenthal Riesling trocken is deep, pure and smoky on the elegant, distinctive and flinty nose that reveals a ripe and elegant domestic fruit aroma and some overripe Riesling berries. Drier than the 2022, which was a little sweetish, the 2023 Pettenthal is a full-bodied, round, refined and elegant dry Riesling with textural richness but also finesse and a stimulating saline and savory as well as fruity finish. It’s quite creamy and with super ripe fruit aromas that are even reminiscent of raisins. 12% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted in September 2024.
Robert Parker 93
Fermented in large oak (stück) and aged sur lie until June this year, the Niersteiner 2023 Schloss Schwabsburg Riesling trocken is intense and slightly stony on the nose that is otherwise reminiscent of apple compote. Very elegant and silky on the palate, this is a full-bodied, round, lush and intense, quite rich but always finessed and stimulating saline Riesling that outperforms the Pettenthal this year. 12.5% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted in September 2024.
Robert Parker 94
The Niersteiner 2023 Schloss Schwabsburg Riesling Auslese is deep, pure, refined and aromatic on the saline and flinty nose that is reminiscent of raspberries. Sweet and round yet delicate and savory on the palate, this is a charmingly light, refined and aromatic Auslese based on overripe yet healthy berries. Vinified in stainless steel, this is a savory, slatey and salivating Riesling Auslese with remarkable character, finesse and sensuality. 7% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted in September 2024.
Robert Parker 94
The Niersteiner Pettenthal 2022 Rehbacher Steig Sommerseite Riesling trocken comes from the steepest vineyard of the domaine and is fermented in 500-liter oak casks. Aged on the lees until July this year, this is a deep, pure and flirty Riesling with a warm and elegant seed-fruit aroma intertwined with slate, floral and butter-rice notes. Round and creamy on the palate, this is a rich and textured yet also crystalline and savory Riesling with oak and almond tones but a very diverse texture compared to the other Rieslings of this domaine. The acidity is rather smooth (but persistent), and the fruit is elegant, round and juicy, revealing lots of charm and natural elegance. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2024.
Robert Parker 95
From a 40-year-old plot that was hand-harvested in two steps to collect nothing but fully ripe, golden-yellow grapes, the intensely yellow-colored Niersteiner 2022 Hipping Alte Reben Riesling trocken opens with a clear, refined yet most of all intense and complex nose of fully ripe fruits intertwined with fine saline and stony notes plus hints of lemon juice. Full-bodied and rich yet vital and refined on the palate, this is a generous, very intense and sustainable Hipping Riesling with a long, aromatic and saline finish. This is an impressively salivating 2022 and based on a serious, terroir-generated structure and wrapped with an elegant and playful fruit finesse. This is like yellow silk on red rocks and highly delicious. One of the finest Niersteiner Rieslings I have tasted from this miraculous vintage that caused hydric stress in summer but turned out to finish beautifully. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2024.
