WTN: 2004 August Kesseler Riesling (Germany, Rheingau)

[David M. Bueker]

2004 August Kesseler Riesling - Germany, Rheingau (4/21/2008)
Very well balanced now, still prominent fruit and vibrant finishing acids. Great food accompaniment (at least for my lime, ginger chicken). As always a great value for the $8 it cost me back in 2005 or so.

David,

I have seen the August Kesseler label here in my neck of the woods. Thou not often enough, the only way we can get some good to great Rheingau wines here is to special order them or go online. Just asking about the producer really. Great estate?, vineyard sites? That wine you mention is a QBA? If so it is the same one on the shelf of my most reliable wine shop here. I think I will give a swirl..

Michael

[David M. Bueker]

MIchael,

While I would not place Kesseler at the top of the Rheingau (with Weil, Leitz & the revived Schloss Johannisberg), he's a strong performer not far behind. He's got land in Rudesheim, but most of this wine comes from elsewhere. If the wine you find is labeled as the "Estate Riesling" then it's the same as mine & well worth a shot. He also makes a wine labeled 'R' that is from purchased fruit and a fine value in its own right (and a buck or so cheaper).

Michael,
Kesseler makes some of Germanys most expensive Spaetburgunders (the quality of which can be debated at another time-for the record I'm a fan ), but some his Riesling is very good QPR. Even the Berg Schlossberg is pretty cheap.

David, I'd nominate Breuer to join your list, Maybe even Spreitzer.


Cheers,
Bill

[David M. Bueker]

I would actually place Spreitzer ahead of Breuer these days, but neither is up to the level of Weil and Leitz. The most heartening aspect of Rheingau Riesling is how much improvement there has been over the last 10 years or so.

Kesseler also makes a lovely rosé (100% pinot noir).