September 2026
»What an incredible Pinot!« Vinous by Anne Krebiehl MW
ausgezeichnet: 2021 »RdP« Spätburgunder
97 Punkte
2025 Rheingau & Pfalz: Energy, Ripeness, Brilliance and Speed
With its combination of warmth and sufficient moisture, the 2025 growing season yielded brilliant and juicy Rieslings full of energy and ripeness. Dryness in spring spelled low yields across the board — 18% less than the long-term average in the Pfalz, and 17% less in the Rheingau — prompting fast-advancing ripening and turbo harvests. The Pfalz almost universally delivered juicy, brilliant wines. The Rheingau is a little patchier but holds many sweet (and dry) surprises. In particular, entry-level Rieslings shine with fruit and liveliness and generally overdeliver with their burst of energy and freshness. The 2024 Pinot Noirs are a revelation and a new paradigm.
Stephan Knipser termed 2025 “a genial year” with sufficient rain from May onwards, followed by a dry, warm summer with 30-40 mm of rain at suitable moments. The vines got both the sunshine and water they needed. Harvest began as early as August 26 and finished on September 28. Knipser had next to no botrytis but, like everyone else, saw yields fall by 35 % due to poor fruit set and less juice in the grapes. The 2025s brim with elan and energy. The 2024 GG Rieslings are beautiful, and the 2022 Pinot Noirs are impeccable. The 2021 Pinot Noir RDP is a perfect expression of that year. Bravo.
2025 Clarette Rosé, 92
The 2025 Clarette Rosé is a blend of Knipser’s non-indigenous reds. This bounces with fruit in 2025. Just a touch of leafiness accompanies its berry fragrances. This full-flavoured and crunchy pink will give lots of pleasure.
2025 Sauvignon Blanc, 91
The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc achieves a wide aromatic spectrum through numerous harvest points. Peach and a touch of nettle introduce a rounded, poised palate. Balance and brightness make this very drinkable.
2025 Chardonnay & Weissburgunder, 90
The 2025 Chardonnay & Weissburgunder was grown in calcareous marls and primarily made in stainless steel with a few declassified barrels. Supple mirabelle plum and smooth polenta shimmer on the nose. The dense but bright body has notable energy.
2025 Grauburgunder, 92
The 2025 Grauburgunder was picked from a limestone site as well as from sites with sandier soil. Smoky scents plunge straight into freshness, and more air brings aromatic pear. This has fruit and tension in equal measure with such brightness. A fruit-filled but snappy Grauburgunder with verve.
2025 Riesling Johannishof, 89
The 2025 Riesling Johannishof unites Knipser’s sandy, loess and calcareous soils. It was harvested early for freshness and made in stainless steel. Savoury tones, crunchy apple and lively citrus all bounce with ripeness. This is fresh, ripe and juicy with so much energy.
2025 Riesling Kapellchen, 91
The 2025 Riesling Kapellchen was grown on the pebbles and sands of the Laumersheimer Kapellenberg and was made entirely in stainless steel. Tension, fill and energy define the palate. Lemony zest makes for a juicy finish.
2024 Riesling Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs, 96
The 2024 Riesling Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs was grown on a ventilated limestone plateau and made in Halbstück. The bouquet offers stone fruit alongside touches of flint, cumin and stone. The light-footed palate is buffered and chalky with a seam of lemon.
2024 Riesling Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs, 96
The 2024 Riesling Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs is from a south-facing, warm site with deep loess over limestone. Subtle peach skin perfumes meet a flinty tone. Lemony brightness and oily density impart tension and texture. This displays balance and exquisite poise.
2024 Weissburgunder Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs, 93
The 2024 Weissburgunder Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs is from a warm, limestone site. This was harvested later than usual. The bouquet blends subtle creaminess with gentle peach. The palate wraps slight nuances of dried apricot and apple in buttery tones. This is powerful yet contoured. Give it some time to come into its own.
2023 Chardonnay ***, 92
The 2023 Chardonnay*** was picked in Steinbuckel, Burgweg and Kirschgarten, all on limestone, and made mostly in new wood. The vines all have French genetics, some dating to the early 1990s. The palate shows freshness, drive and power alongside full-flavoured, golden fruit. This is bold but elegant and will benefit from bottle age.
2023 Chardonnay Réserve, 96
The 2023 Chardonnay Réserve was exclusively grown in calcareous marl and a thick layer of loess on limestone. It was made entirely in new wood. The aromatics are fruit-driven with a smoky touch. The palate tones it down and sinks deep into limestone, harnessing its undoubted power and converting it into length. This will benefit from bottle age.
2022 Spätburgunder Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs, 95
The 2022 Spätburgunder Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs is from vines planted in 1996 to German genetics. The color is astonishingly dark, and the bouquet is crunchy and fresh with aromatic red cherry. Tender smokiness follows. The palate is full-bodied, firm and dense with the texture of velvet. This is perfectly ripe and does not have an ounce of weight. The length of the finale shows off its structure.
2022 Spätburgunder Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs, 96
The 2022 Spätburgunder Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs is from a cooler, ventilated limestone site. Perfumed cherry is supple on the nose. Silky textures host a counterbalance of ripe density with absolute freshness. The long conclusion exudes elegance and power.
2022 Spätburgunder Laumerheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs, 97
The 2022 Spätburgunder Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs is from estate-developed massal selections based on Burgundian très fin material. Dark red fruit recalls forest berries. Tart blackberry is covered in smoke as hints of mulberry lend juiciness. Super-fine tannins possess the gentle but firm texture of suede. Freshness and poise meet firmness and structure.
2022 Spätburgunder Großkarlbacher Im Grossen Garten Grosses Gewächs, 97
The 2022 Spätburgunder Grosskarlbacher Im Grossen Garten Grosses Gewächs is from the first plantings Knipser made in 1993, of Burgundian genetics on clay over limestone. Red cherry is shy on the nose with darker aspects. Every minute of air amplifies the aromatics, but they do not yet show their full colours. The palate is super-dense and taut with sinew and tension. All of this shows promise, but give it time.
2021 RDP, 97
The 2021 Pinot Noir RDP, which stands for „Reserve du Patron“, is a pure Pinot Noir made from across the estate. A bright bouquet spells tart cherry and raspberry with a hint of smoky cranberry. The palate is juicy, translucent and supremely elegant. The fruit is ripe but from a cooler year, with silky spider web tannins. Beautiful acidity highlights a woodland backdrop and an overtone of Ceylon tea, so aromatic and long-lasting. What an incredible Pinot.
2025 Petit Doux, 90
The 2025 Petit Doux is a pure Petit Manseng that almost hints at honey. The palate, likewise, is honeyed but still has a leafy overtone, with superb citrus brightness. A lovely, delicious sweet little number. (Sweet)
With its combination of warmth and sufficient moisture, the 2025 growing season yielded brilliant and juicy Rieslings full of energy and ripeness. Dryness in spring spelled low yields across the board — 18% less than the long-term average in the Pfalz, and 17% less in the Rheingau — prompting fast-advancing ripening and turbo harvests. The Pfalz almost universally delivered juicy, brilliant wines. The Rheingau is a little patchier but holds many sweet (and dry) surprises. In particular, entry-level Rieslings shine with fruit and liveliness and generally overdeliver with their burst of energy and freshness. The 2024 Pinot Noirs are a revelation and a new paradigm.
Stephan Knipser termed 2025 “a genial year” with sufficient rain from May onwards, followed by a dry, warm summer with 30-40 mm of rain at suitable moments. The vines got both the sunshine and water they needed. Harvest began as early as August 26 and finished on September 28. Knipser had next to no botrytis but, like everyone else, saw yields fall by 35 % due to poor fruit set and less juice in the grapes. The 2025s brim with elan and energy. The 2024 GG Rieslings are beautiful, and the 2022 Pinot Noirs are impeccable. The 2021 Pinot Noir RDP is a perfect expression of that year. Bravo.
2025 Clarette Rosé, 92
The 2025 Clarette Rosé is a blend of Knipser’s non-indigenous reds. This bounces with fruit in 2025. Just a touch of leafiness accompanies its berry fragrances. This full-flavoured and crunchy pink will give lots of pleasure.
2025 Sauvignon Blanc, 91
The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc achieves a wide aromatic spectrum through numerous harvest points. Peach and a touch of nettle introduce a rounded, poised palate. Balance and brightness make this very drinkable.
2025 Chardonnay & Weissburgunder, 90
The 2025 Chardonnay & Weissburgunder was grown in calcareous marls and primarily made in stainless steel with a few declassified barrels. Supple mirabelle plum and smooth polenta shimmer on the nose. The dense but bright body has notable energy.
2025 Grauburgunder, 92
The 2025 Grauburgunder was picked from a limestone site as well as from sites with sandier soil. Smoky scents plunge straight into freshness, and more air brings aromatic pear. This has fruit and tension in equal measure with such brightness. A fruit-filled but snappy Grauburgunder with verve.
2025 Riesling Johannishof, 89
The 2025 Riesling Johannishof unites Knipser’s sandy, loess and calcareous soils. It was harvested early for freshness and made in stainless steel. Savoury tones, crunchy apple and lively citrus all bounce with ripeness. This is fresh, ripe and juicy with so much energy.
2025 Riesling Kapellchen, 91
The 2025 Riesling Kapellchen was grown on the pebbles and sands of the Laumersheimer Kapellenberg and was made entirely in stainless steel. Tension, fill and energy define the palate. Lemony zest makes for a juicy finish.
2024 Riesling Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs, 96
The 2024 Riesling Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs was grown on a ventilated limestone plateau and made in Halbstück. The bouquet offers stone fruit alongside touches of flint, cumin and stone. The light-footed palate is buffered and chalky with a seam of lemon.
2024 Riesling Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs, 96
The 2024 Riesling Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs is from a south-facing, warm site with deep loess over limestone. Subtle peach skin perfumes meet a flinty tone. Lemony brightness and oily density impart tension and texture. This displays balance and exquisite poise.
2024 Weissburgunder Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs, 93
The 2024 Weissburgunder Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs is from a warm, limestone site. This was harvested later than usual. The bouquet blends subtle creaminess with gentle peach. The palate wraps slight nuances of dried apricot and apple in buttery tones. This is powerful yet contoured. Give it some time to come into its own.
2023 Chardonnay ***, 92
The 2023 Chardonnay*** was picked in Steinbuckel, Burgweg and Kirschgarten, all on limestone, and made mostly in new wood. The vines all have French genetics, some dating to the early 1990s. The palate shows freshness, drive and power alongside full-flavoured, golden fruit. This is bold but elegant and will benefit from bottle age.
2023 Chardonnay Réserve, 96
The 2023 Chardonnay Réserve was exclusively grown in calcareous marl and a thick layer of loess on limestone. It was made entirely in new wood. The aromatics are fruit-driven with a smoky touch. The palate tones it down and sinks deep into limestone, harnessing its undoubted power and converting it into length. This will benefit from bottle age.
2022 Spätburgunder Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs, 95
The 2022 Spätburgunder Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad Grosses Gewächs is from vines planted in 1996 to German genetics. The color is astonishingly dark, and the bouquet is crunchy and fresh with aromatic red cherry. Tender smokiness follows. The palate is full-bodied, firm and dense with the texture of velvet. This is perfectly ripe and does not have an ounce of weight. The length of the finale shows off its structure.
2022 Spätburgunder Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs, 96
The 2022 Spätburgunder Laumersheimer Steinbuckel Grosses Gewächs is from a cooler, ventilated limestone site. Perfumed cherry is supple on the nose. Silky textures host a counterbalance of ripe density with absolute freshness. The long conclusion exudes elegance and power.
2022 Spätburgunder Laumerheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs, 97
The 2022 Spätburgunder Laumersheimer Kirschgarten Grosses Gewächs is from estate-developed massal selections based on Burgundian très fin material. Dark red fruit recalls forest berries. Tart blackberry is covered in smoke as hints of mulberry lend juiciness. Super-fine tannins possess the gentle but firm texture of suede. Freshness and poise meet firmness and structure.
2022 Spätburgunder Großkarlbacher Im Grossen Garten Grosses Gewächs, 97
The 2022 Spätburgunder Grosskarlbacher Im Grossen Garten Grosses Gewächs is from the first plantings Knipser made in 1993, of Burgundian genetics on clay over limestone. Red cherry is shy on the nose with darker aspects. Every minute of air amplifies the aromatics, but they do not yet show their full colours. The palate is super-dense and taut with sinew and tension. All of this shows promise, but give it time.
2021 RDP, 97
The 2021 Pinot Noir RDP, which stands for „Reserve du Patron“, is a pure Pinot Noir made from across the estate. A bright bouquet spells tart cherry and raspberry with a hint of smoky cranberry. The palate is juicy, translucent and supremely elegant. The fruit is ripe but from a cooler year, with silky spider web tannins. Beautiful acidity highlights a woodland backdrop and an overtone of Ceylon tea, so aromatic and long-lasting. What an incredible Pinot.
2025 Petit Doux, 90
The 2025 Petit Doux is a pure Petit Manseng that almost hints at honey. The palate, likewise, is honeyed but still has a leafy overtone, with superb citrus brightness. A lovely, delicious sweet little number. (Sweet)
Quelle: Antonio Galloni Vinous