Domaine Rieflé-Landmann - Grand Cru Steinert Riesling 2016

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The Rieflés—Jean-Claude and his sons Thomas and Paul—significantly expanded their vineyard when they acquired the plots formerly owned by Seppi Landmann; their vineyards now stretch from Pfaffenheim to Soultzmatt, at the far end of the Noble Valley. Their viticulture is meticulously managed, with a strong focus on soil conservation, and this has been evident in the wines’ tasting profiles for the past few vintages. This is especially true now that Jean-Claude Rieflé has moved away from his experiments with natural wines, which had intrigued us greatly a few years ago. Their terroir-driven wines express a gastronomic salinity.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

For the Rieflé family, it’s a family tradition: the first winemaker in the family appeared as early as 1830. Today, Thomas tends the vineyards, Paul handles sales, and Jean-Claude, the father, makes the wine. But it’s their daily collaboration that drives the estate forward. The 2011 vintage, marked by the acquisition of the famous Seppi Landmann estate, coincides with the start of a winemaking approach focused on greater purity: more body and texture, but without excess sugar, and a slightly longer aging period on fine lees. New packaging also promises greater clarity in the range of wines offered. Finally, note the entry-level wines categorized by style, which may be blends: L’Éclat, a dry wine; L’Aplomb, round and full-bodied; and the aromatic L’Arabesque. L’Étoffe is the red.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

The nose reveals notes of damp stone, crushed herbs, and lemon zest. On the palate, these are complemented by a subtle hint of petrol and soy, along with a slightly salty flavor. The body remains taut and defined by the freshness of the lemon. The finish is dry and very flavorful, once again featuring herbal notes that make the whole experience even more indulgent. Best enjoyed now through 2030.