Valentin Zusslin Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Pfingstberg 2015

96 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "In terms of ripeness, concentration and aromas, the 2015 Riesling Grand Cru Pfingstberg already reflects the very warm and early vintage pretty clearly on the nose, and it is again the terroir of the Pfingstberg that protects the wine from being too fruity or even overripe. It has these distinctive crystalline sandstone flavors combined with a coolish, spicy and flinty depth here and also almost a touch of broken red slate. Full-bodied, rich and silky on the palate, this is a monster Riesling with a tight, mineral structure and a long, intense and salty finish. I tempted to say this is one of the greatest Pfingstbergs I have ever tasted (which makes me long for the 2010 again after five years!), but I won't be sure about it for a couple of years. I remember Marie and Jean-Paul Zusslin once told me their grandmother never sold the Pfingstberg earlier than six years after the harvest. We are 4.5 years after the harvest now, so I am curious to have this giant again in two years or anytime later. The 2015 is sheer power paired with finesse and elegance, and the phenolics seem riper and softer than in the impressive 2016. Drink: 2022-2035. (Oct 2020)"

95 points James Suckling: "Welcome to the riesling deep end! This is a very concentrated and highly structured one with stunning balance that is already so complex. Licorice, dried sage and angelica. The herbal-mineral finish doesn't want to stop. Just the beginning of a long life, but you could drink this right away! Made from biodynamically grown grapes and Demeter certified. (5/28/18)"