2023 Emrich-Schonleber Halenberg Riesling GG [JS98][WA96]

Producer: Emrich-Schonleber 
Region: Nahe, Germany  
Varietal: Riesling  
Year: 2023  

James Suckling, 98 Points 

"The gigantic smoky and crushed rock nose of this astonishing dry riesling is an announcement of intent and determination. Incredibly complex candied and fresh citrus fruit slowly emerges from within this masterpiece, but the whole composition never changes its fundamental shape or direction. Either you’re strong enough for this radical wine, or it’s stronger than you. Drink from release." 

Wine Advocate, 96 Points 

"Frank Schönleber's 2023 Halenberg Riesling GG is one of the most impressive dry wines from this vintage in all of Germany. It's very clear, fine and elegant but rich and complex on the nose that benefits from the deep slate soil and shows iodine notes. Dense and powerful yet also zesty, this is very complex, long and persistently salty. This is a great Riesling. Tasted at the Vorpremiere VDP.Grosses Gewächs in Wiesbaden in August 2024." 

Winemaker Notes:  

"The top, top wines of 2023 are epic and this, well, is one of them. Compared to the Frühlingsplätzchen, the Halenberg is rounder and riper – at least on first opening. There is more depth, more raw and pushing citrus fruit; the register feels more yellow than green. On the palate too, while the minimalist aesthetic of Schönleber is there, the wine feels more textural, both more fruity and more mineral. On day two the wine goes full 360 and shuts down completely: the nose is like smelling the cold purity of space (albeit with maybe a tinge of Meyer lemon?) It is haunting and the reputation of the wine begins to make sense only after 24+ hours open, holy hell. This is a brilliant wine, severe, coating, dense with concentration. Wow. This is an immense wine that needs hours/days to unfurl if you are drinking sooner and will certainly age for a decade or two or longer." 

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.