Riesling is a complex and rewarding grape variety that offers a vast range of styles, from bone-dry to decadently sweet.
It is a wine that demands patience and understanding from those who seek to enjoy its depth, but for those willing to explore, Riesling delivers exquisite nuances and flavors. Its versatility is remarkable, shifting from steely, mineral-driven profiles with notes of green apple, lime, and petrol in drier styles to golden hues with honey, peach, and jasmine in sweeter expressions. Each stage of ripeness yields a different story, and this is especially true among the 2024 selections, where sweeter styles have dominated the "best in show" for this year.
The World's Best Riesling of 2024 by Wine-Searcher
1. Weingut Robert Weil Kiedricher Grafenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
At the pinnacle of German Riesling sweetness, this Trockenbeerenauslese from Weingut Robert Weil is a true icon. Known as one of Germany's elite Riesling producers since 1867, this estate in the Rheingau consistently produces high-quality wines that boast longevity and complexity. Despite only a slight increase in price from $785 in 2014 to $797 today, the wine enjoys an impressive average score of 96 points. Wine Enthusiast praised the 2022 vintage, describing it as "thick and syrupy," with a texture that feels almost luxurious enough to pour over crêpes.
2. Weingut Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese Trocken
For those who prefer a drier style, Weingut Markus Molitor’s Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese Trocken from the Mosel valley is a top contender. The estate garnered international attention in 2015 when three of its Auslese Rieslings earned perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker, boosting Riesling’s profile globally. This year’s selection, with a Falstaff score of 99 points, is said to resemble "a picture from finest pixels, a palate mist of extract" with a balanced acidity and medium body. Prices have seen an increase from $1478 in 2018 to $1646, a testament to the growing appreciation for Molitor’s work.
3. Weingut Robert Weil Kiedricher Turmberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Another standout from Weingut Robert Weil, the Kiedricher Turmberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese is a sweet offering that has captured critical acclaim, with a 97-point score from Falstaff for the 2022 vintage. Noted for its striking golden-yellow color with hints of amber, it exhibits layers of botrytis character, chamomile, lemon balm, and date, balanced with a refreshing white pear note. This wine has seen an increase in price from $621 in 2014 to approximately $809 today.
4. Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Three Star Riesling Auslese
This selection is one of Markus Molitor's celebrated Auslese wines, denoted by the stars that indicate quality tiers. Known for its excellent value, with prices hovering around $97 today, this wine delivers an impressive 95-point experience. Falstaff describes it as "a densely woven carpet of aromas, great slate savoriness," with a visual richness and smoky, elegant aromas that captivate the palate.
5. Dr. Hermann Erdener Prälat Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Alte Reben Goldkapsel
Breaking away from Weil and Molitor is Dr. Hermann’s Erdener Prälat Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Alte Reben Goldkapsel, a wine that celebrates the family’s rich viticultural history dating back centuries. With a score of 97 points, this sweet wine has gained popularity, climbing in price from $519 in 2020 to $693 today. This wine is crafted from old vines ("Alte Reben"), adding layers of concentrated flavors that are anticipated to continue maturing gracefully.
6. FX Pichler Unendlich Riesling Smaragd
This Austrian entry from FX Pichler in the Wachau region is an exceptional dry Riesling that showcases Austria’s potential in Riesling excellence. Notably labeled in homage to Mozart's The Magic Flute, the Unendlich has risen in price from $178 in 2014 to $318. The 2021 vintage received a 96-point score from Falstaff, noted for its "multi-faceted bouquet" with tropical fruits, orange blossom, and a layered, cinematic palate that is sure to captivate.
7. Weingut Knebel Röttgen Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Mosel-based Weingut Knebel’s Röttgen Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese stands as another highly rated sweet Riesling, boasting a 97-point score. Established by Rheinhard and Beate Knebel in 1990, the estate has steadily built its reputation, with the wine’s price rising from $365 in 2014 to $488 today. With depth, intensity, and consistent critical acclaim, this Trockenbeerenauslese is set to continue impressing.
8. Weingut Keller G-Max Riesling Trocken
Considered one of Germany’s most sought-after dry Rieslings, the G-Max Riesling Trocken from Weingut Keller in the Rheinhessen is noted for its savory and smoky profile. Receiving 96 points from Falstaff, this wine’s price has surged dramatically, from $682 in 2014 to an impressive $2149 today, reflecting its prestige and rarity.
9. Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese
Another Markus Molitor entry, this Beerenauslese is a sweet, opulent Riesling that received 96 points and maintains an attainable price at $200, down from its initial 2014 price of $365. This trend shows that while demand for Beerenauslese grows, prices remain accessible.
10. Weingut Robert Weil Kiedricher Gräfenberg Riesling Beerenauslese
Completing this list is the Kiedricher Gräfenberg Riesling Beerenauslese from Robert Weil. Known for its opulent flavors of apricot, candied orange peel, and guava, it has a score of 95 points and has even seen a slight price decrease, suggesting that this style is ripe for broader appreciation.
While Riesling’s versatility is beloved by critics, it’s the driest and sweetest extremes that tend to captivate wine lovers most. The nuanced flavors and diverse profiles of these Rieslings offer a true reward for those willing to explore this multifaceted grape.
Source: Wine-Searcher