Description
Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese 2023 (JS96)
Dönnhoff is one of Germany's top Nahe estates, renowned for precision and purity in Riesling. Norheimer Kirschheck is a flagship single vineyard on steep south-facing slopes with volcanic and red slate soils, delivering exceptional minerality and aging potential. The 2023 Spätlese, from late-harvest grapes, perfectly balances residual sugar and vibrant acidity, showcasing ripe fruit complexity and classic Nahe terroir depth—ideal for cellaring and food pairing.
Winemaking & Style
Sourced from the Norheimer Kirschheck single vineyard, south-facing steep slopes at 200-250m elevation with volcanic rock and red slate soils.
Late-harvest (Spätlese) grapes undergo slow fermentation in stainless steel at cool temperatures to preserve concentrated fruit and elegant sweetness, with portions briefly aged in traditional large oak casks (Fuder) for texture.
Off-dry style with harmonious sugar-acid balance, pronounced mineral backbone, full fruit yet retaining Riesling's finesse and energy.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Medium gold yellow, brilliant and luminous
Aroma: Ripe pomegranate, peach preserve, apricot, lychee with jasmine, honey and wet flint minerality
Palate: Lush fruit entry balanced by sophisticated acidity; layers of peach and citrus jam unfold with volcanic salt-mineral mid-palate and floral notes. Clean, lingering finish with subtle bitter almond and lychee echoes
Style: Spätlese richness meets profound minerality—tempting sweetness with serious aging potential (10+ years), quintessential Nahe Kirschheck character
Ratings & Accolades
James Suckling: 96 points — "Peach and lychee fruit, outstanding minerality, extremely long finish"
Vinous: 92-93 points — "Obvious volcanic rock minerality with great development potential"
Falstaff: 91 points — "Kirschheck classic, ripe fruit balanced with salt minerals"
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Suggested pairings: Crispy roast goose, honey-glazed char siu, curry chicken, garlic-steamed scallops, Cantonese rice rolls, mango sticky rice etc.
Region: Germany, Nahe
Type: White Wine
Grape Variety: 100% Riesling (Norheimer Kirschheck single vineyard)
Ripeness Level: Spätlese
Alcohol: approx. 8%
Volume: 750ml
Special Notes: Limited Kirschheck single vineyard production, 10-15 years aging potential