Expert Reviews – Vintage 2014

Stephan Reinhardt of the Wine Advocate writes 94+ Points |The 2014 Riesling Cuve Frdric Emile is highly complex on the clear, intense and smoky, lemony nose. Clear, fresh, straight and very mineral on the nose, this is a pure but complex, intense, stony Riesling that is pretty austere at the moment. Provided with racy acidity, but concentrated and mineral on the palate, this is exceptional dry Riesling with great tension. To be served in 10, 20 and even in 30 years. Drinking 2025 to 2040.

Ian DAgata of Vinous writes 94+ Points | Vivid straw-green. Delicate nuances of jasmine and lemon verbena complicate aromas of green apple, lime and minerals. Pure and penetrating on the palate, boasting superb definition to the flavors of gin, mint, minerals, violet and lemon zest. The finish is remarkably crystalline and long. This Frdric Emile is currently dominated by its Osterberg component (the cuve is a blend of Osterberg and Geisberg grand cru grapes), which brings chiseled acidity, as opposed to the Geisbergs ripe fruit personality and licorice quality. Despite the difficult year, this is likely to become a memorable Frdric Emile. So much so, in fact, that its currently impossible to choose between it and the more famous Clos Sainte Hune. Drinking 2022 to 2045.

James Suckling writes 96 Points | So much mineral and sliced apple character with hints of orange and apple peel. Turns to steely character. Full-bodied, racy and bright. So lively. Great finish. Drink or hold on release.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92+ Points |Coming close to a decade after the vintage, the 2014 Riesling Cuve Frdric Emile is still vivid and racy, with a taut, focused, almost austere style in its ripe citrus, crushed stone, hazelnut, and smoky mineral-driven aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and nicely concentrated, with high yet integrated acidity, this needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, as it’s currently austere, firm, and inward. It will be an incredibly long-lived Riesling, but how much pleasure it will ultimately deliver might be questionable. Drinking after 2027.

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points | A bone-dry, racy white, with a lovely entry point of slate, petrol and brine aromas on the nose, plus a minerally profile that underscores notes of crunchy nectarine, kiwifruit, cherry blossoms, pink grapefruit pith and fresh thyme. Firm and linear, this graceful version exhibits seamless knit and definition. Drink now through 2039. – Wine Spectator 95

Jancis Robinson writes 17.5+ Points |To be released around 2022 or 2023. Razor-sharp nose and very tight. Lots to chew on. They could release this and no one would object but I can see why they want it to unfurl a bit. Drinking 2022 to 2035. – Jancis Robinson 17.5+

Winemaker Description

Bright, medium-gold with aromas of sweet nectarine, apricot, pineapple and candied peaches. Full-bodied with intensity, depth and beautiful mineral flavor. Rich, ripe acidity on the palate. Extraordinary balance between fruit and acidity with superb length. A wine of intense minerality and powerful acidity. The ideal wine to pair with fusion cuisines.