2021 Keller Abts Westhofen Brunnenhausthen Riesling Trocken GG [JS100][D98][V96][V94+]

Producer: Weingut Keller 
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany 
Varietal: Riesling 
Year: 2021 

James Suckling, 100 Points 

"It’s hard to find words for the astonishing depth and purity of this perfect dry riesling that is driven by the characteristically racy acidity of the vintage, but subsumes this into a seamless whole, the staggering herbal freshness exactly balancing the titanic depth. Drink or hold." 

Decanter, 98 Points 

"Abtserde is a small parcel that was revived by Klaus-Peter Keller in 2006. At that time, he was only allowed to use the abbreviation Abts E because of production regulations, whereas today he could use the full name again, but Abts E has established itself. It's only nuances, but Abts E is streets ahead of Morstein or Hubacker in terms of quality in this vintage. The aromas range from herbal extract, quince jelly and lemon jelly to lemon zest, all very dense and super concentrated. Stylistically reminiscent of Clos St Hune. Drinking Window: 2028-2050." 

Vinous, 96 Points 

"Bittersweet floral and herbal elements, typical for this bottling, surge from the glass. Lavender, thyme, wormwood, licorice, iris and gentian are expressed as if from a distillate. Along with these come intimations of the white peach and grapefruit – strongly marked by their pits and pips – that then explode in the mouth. As with the other Keller Grosse Gewächse of this vintage, the sense of sheer density conveyed is formidable, but the mid-palate impression is more expansive, and the overall effect is more expressive at this youthful stage than in the Hubacker or Morstein. Textural richness counteracts what might otherwise have been the austere and severe effects of strongly, near-bitter piquancy and underlying chalkiness. Freshly ground coriander seed and black pepper add further stimulation, and chalky impressions ground a penetrating and vibrantly bright finish entirely reflective of this wine’s intense aromas, and one that leaves gums, cheeks and tongue tingling. Drink: 2022-2044." 

John Gilman, 94+ Points 

"This is the first time I can recall this wine’s label bearing the term Oberer Hubacker to signify that it comes from the top of the slope. The wine is simply stunning in 2021, tipping the scales at 12.5 percent octane and delivering a refined and very complex bouquet of pink grapefruit, tart orange, a beautiful base of chalky minerality, lemongrass, wild yeasts, lemon blossoms and just a whisper of menthol in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and laser-like in its precision, with a beautiful core of fruit, even better mineral drive, great balance and grip and a long, complex and hauntingly refined finish. The cooler fruit tones of the vintage give this wine a nervosité that is stunning. 2031-2100." 

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.