The 2023 Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese is a standout white wine from the Nahe region of Germany, produced by the esteemed Donnhoff winery. This vintage has garnered significant praise from wine critics, highlighting its remarkable qualities.
James Suckling awarded this Riesling an impressive score of 96, describing it as "very juicy and very animating," and noting its departure from typical Spätlese clichés. Suckling emphasized the wine's "delicacy" despite its concentration, likening its experience to a dance across the palate. He suggests that this wine is suitable for both immediate enjoyment and aging.
Vinous also reviewed this wine favorably, awarding it a score of 94. The review by Anne Krebiehl MW underscores the wine's elegance and freshness. Krebiehl points out the absence of botrytis, a common fungus in sweet wines, which contributes to its clean profile. She describes the presence of tangerine on the nose and highlights the wine’s "veil-like lightness" and "immense charm." The review notes the balance between sweetness (around 50-60 g/L) and acidity, resulting in a wine that is medium sweet yet thrillingly fresh.
Both reviewers agree on the wine's elegance and purity, with Krebiehl calling it "exquisite, pure, and taut." The 2023 Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese is characterized by its delicate balance and fresh, restrained profile, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a refined Riesling experience. This wine exemplifies the high-quality production associated with Donnhoff and is a testament to the distinctive terroir of the Kirschheck appellation in the Nahe region.