Weingut Keller - Kirchspiel Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG 2009

Weingut Keller - Kirchspiel Riesling Großes Gewächs 2009, Rheinhessen

Introduction: A German wine legend

The Kirchspiel Riesling GG 2009 from Weingut Keller is not just a wine, but a legend. It comes from one of the most celebrated vintages of the century and from a winery that represents the pinnacle of German viticulture. This wine epitomises the revolution in Rheinhessen that was then burgeoning and is now complete: the ability to produce Rieslings of sophisticated stature, unparalleled depth and extreme longevity. Opening a 2009 Keller Kirchspiel today is a special event.

Sensory description (current state, approx. 2024)

After 15 years in the bottle, this Riesling has developed from its youthful vigour into a phase of breathtaking complexity.

• Colour: Bright golden yellow with light greenish reflections - a colour that suggests maturity and density.

• Nose: The bouquet is intense and multi-layered. The original primary fruit (white peaches, mirabelle plums) is now fusedwith mature, tertiary flavours:

  • Ripe peaches and apricot jam

  • A smoky, mineral note (damp gravel, slate)

  • Honeycomb and bread dough

  • Exotic hints of grapefruit and passion fruit

  • A characteristic spiciness of ginger and a delicate petrol note

• Palate: The wine is monumentally dense on the palate, yet with a floating elegance. It is powerful and juicy, carried by a lively, crystalline acidity that gives the wine incredible tension and length.

  • The flavours of ripe stone and citrus fruit spread over a wide area.

  • The mineral component runs through the wine like a red thread and gives it a serious, full-bodied character.

  • The finish is almost endless, with flavours of peach, mineral and a salty note lingering for minutes.

Vintage & location

• 2009 vintage in Germany:An exceptionally warm and sunny vintage, which resulted in ripe, opulent wines with plenty of fruit and extract-rich density. However, the great wines always had a pithy acidity, which gave them the necessary structure for long ageing.

• Kirchspiel site (Westhofen):The Kirchspiel site is one of the absolute top terraces in Rheinhessen. The soils of limestone and marl ("Kalkmergel") give the Rieslings their typical mineral rigour, strong fruit and the ability to mature over many decades. It is the source of the power and complexity of this wine.

Maturity & ageing potential

• Current drinking maturity: The wine has reached its first drinking windowand is beginning to develop its full complexity. It is still young and powerful, but already shows wonderful harmony and maturity. For those who appreciate energy and fruit, it is now a dream.

• Ageing potential: Very great! With optimal storage, this Riesling has the potential to mature for another 20-30 years or more.Over time, it will lose its opulent fruit and gain even more mineral, spicy and petrol complexity. A wine for eternity.

Rating & recommendations

Rating: 98/100 points
An absolutely world-class wine that masterfully embodies the unique combination of powerful fruit, electrifying acidity and profound minerality. It confirms the cult status of the Keller winery.

Recommendations:

• Decant: A brief decanting (30-60 minutes) before drinking can help to further open up the complex flavours.

• Serving temperature: 10-12°C to bring out its full complexity.

• Food pairing: This wine is a culinary partner for sophisticated dishes:

  • Fried or grilled fish (e.g. sole, sea bass)

  • Grilled white meat (veal fillet, poularde)

  • Dishes with truffles or mushrooms (e.g. porcini mushroom risotto)

  • Strong Asian cuisine (e.g. dishes with ginger and soya sauce)

Conclusion

The Keller Kirchspiel Riesling GG 2009 is a wine of the century. It exemplifies the new German wine culture, which is absolutely competitive internationally. Anyone opening a bottle today will experience a Riesling of monumental density, breathtaking complexity and astounding elegance. It is powerful and yet delicate - a rare combination that makes it an unforgettable experience. A wine that will continue to mature for decades and give pleasure to future generations. An absolute icon.