Julien Schaal - Alsace Schiste Grand Cru Kastelberg 2023
97-98/100
Yves Beck
17,5/20
Jancis Robinson
94/100
James Suckling
"A truly great wine in the making (Yves Beck)"
The bouquet reveals subtle fruity notes with hints of apricot, vine peach, peppermint, and lemongrass. Classic flinty notes are also present, providing a foundation that anchors the bouquet. On the palate, the wine adopts a gradual, cautious attitude. It can count on the incisive and structuring character of its acidity, but it is in no hurry. Why should it be? It is built to last for several decades. Bitterness also plays a key role in the configuration of this wine. It provides support on the palate, lending vigor and enhancing the aromatic expression, both in terms of intensity and persistence. The wine knows exactly where it wants to go, but it doesn't yet know how! With all the necessary elements in place to achieve this, it logically opts for patience and time. (Yves Beck 2024)
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Eye
Pale gold color with green highlights
Nose
Elegant, masculine, with a delicate and discreet bouquet, lemony and mineral, aromas of jasmine and acacia, lemon, peach, green apple, flint, wet chalk
Mouth
Mineral and fresh, with a dry and lively character, elegant structure, exotic notes, stone fruits, citrus fruits
Serve
Between 9 et 11°C
Drink before
2050+
Guard
10 to 15 years
Food and wine pairings
Oysters, mussels, crabs, shrimp, Asian dishes, fish with crushed tomatoes and peppermint, salads with citrus fruits...
Bettane & Desseauve
Winery rated 2 stars (A serious and recommendable production, but a little more consistent and uniform than the previous one)
About the estate:
Alongside a wine trading venture in South Africa, Julien Schaal set up his Alsatian business in 2011, a highly original venture since it is exclusively based on the purchase of grapes from grand cru vineyards. Currently, nine grands crus are on the menu, representing almost all the different types of soil in the region, and only Riesling is offered, with the exception of a Gewurztraminer from Osterberg and a blend from Altenberg in Bergheim. In a blind tasting, his 2017 wines blew us away. Hats off!
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2024 guide) 17,5/20
Rated estate (2023 guide) Recommended
About wine:
A pungent nose with a certain richness, although the wine finishes dry. It is enhanced by notes of grapefruit, a hint of white peach, and lots of stone. Very enjoyable!
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 94/100
Rated estate (2023 guide) Recommended
About wine:
This mineral and salty Riesling has aromas and flavors of dried pineapple, lemon peel, slate, and thyme. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied with hints of flint and stone, evolving into a slightly smoky finish. Long and dry. Drink now or cellar.
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2024 guide) 97-98/100
About wine:
Riesling and schist have a long history of love, harmony, brotherhood, and unshakeable understanding. It is also a story of character and confrontation. The two must come to an agreement, which is not always easy, but in general, the ambition for excellence overcomes any obstacles. The bouquet reveals subtle fruity notes with hints of apricot, vine peach, peppermint, and lemongrass. The classic flinty notes are also present, like a foundation, providing a solid olfactory base. On the palate, the wine adopts a gradual, cautious attitude. It can count on the incisive and structuring character of its acidity, but it has no desire to rush. Why should it? It is built to last for several decades. Bitterness also plays a key role in the configuration of this wine. It provides support on the palate, lending vigor and enhancing the aromatic expression, both in terms of intensity and persistence. The wine knows exactly where it wants to go, but it doesn't yet know how! With all the necessary elements in place to achieve this, it logically opts for patience and time. A very great wine in the making. 2030-2060
Customer rating
3.8/5
based on 15 reviews
Note and opinion by Mr. JACQUES R. Published on 12/29/2024
A very nice Riesling, perfect with oysters and pairing well with a fairly mature Sainte-Maure cheese.
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Note and opinion by Mr. CHRISTIAN M. Published on 10/30/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. THIERRY E. Published on 09/17/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. VINCENT B. Published on 09/11/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. FREDERIC R. Published on 08/29/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. MARC M. Published on 08/19/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. DISSOUBRAY V. Published on 07/26/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. EMMANUEL E. Published on 07/22/2025
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Review and opinion by Mr. FABRICE & MATHIS P. Published on 07/02/2025
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Note and opinion by Mr. JEAN A. Published on 06/19/2025
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