2023 Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Rheingau Goldlack Trocken

The rich history of Schloss Johannisberg

Schloss Johannisberg is one of the most historic wineries in the world. Wine has been produced on this hill in the Rheingau for over 1,200 years, and exclusively Riesling since 1720. This makes Johannisberg the cradle of this grape variety in Germany. The imposing castle sits above the Rhine, surrounded by 50 hectares of vineyards that form a semicircle around the estate. Today, the estate belongs to the Oetker family, who continue this legacy with respect for tradition and innovation. Viticulture here is entirely focused on creating wines that showcase the unique expression of the terroir.

The terroir and climate of the Rheingau

The Rheingau is one of Germany's most prestigious wine regions, known for its steep slopes and southerly location along the Rhine. The Schloss Johannisberg vineyard descends in terraces to the river and benefits from an ideal microclimate: abundant sunlight, cool nights, and water reflection. The soil consists of Taunus quartzite with fertile loam and loess, supplemented with a small amount of iron oxide that gives the soil a reddish hue. This creates a pronounced minerality and tension in the wines, with a recognizable salty note typical of the best Rheingau Rieslings.

The harvest and vinification of the Goldlack 2022

The 2022 Goldlack is made entirely from hand-picked Riesling grapes, sourced from the vineyards immediately surrounding the château. Harvest began early, on September 19th, after an exceptionally warm and dry growing season. Despite the heat, grapes with a perfect balance of ripeness and acidity were harvested. The grapes were gently pressed after 48 hours of maceration. Fermentation took place in large wooden barrels made of oak from the estate's own forest. The wine then matured for 24 months on the fine lees in the famous underground Bibliotheca Subterranea, where a constant temperature of 10.5°C prevails. Bottling took place in the spring of 2024, after which the wine was allowed to rest in the bottle until September. The result is a wine of great complexity and depth, reflecting the time and attention given at every stage.

Taste profile of the Schloss Johannisberg Goldlack Trocken 2022

The Goldlack 2022 is simultaneously refined and powerful. The aroma reveals ripe notes of apricot, yellow plum, and jasmine blossom, complemented by subtle hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of mint and thyme. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated, with an impressive balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality. The structure is precise, taut, and slightly saline, with a spicy spiciness and a lingering finish. The finish is intense and long, a hallmark of top wines from this legendary vineyard. The 12% alcohol and 7.6g/l acidity provide freshness and elegance, while 3.9g/l residual sugar gives the wine a subtly rounded character.

Reviews from international wine critics

The international press is unanimously praising the 2022 Goldlack. James Suckling awarded the wine a remarkable 99 points , calling it "a wine with flinty vitality and super-dense apricot and mirabelle notes, with a huge wave of stony minerality and a finish as still as a mountain lake." He believes this wine has almost infinite aging potential. Vinous also rated the wine exceptionally high, scoring 96 points , describing it as "a Riesling that rises above the level of the Grosses Gewächs, with a silky structure and an ethereal freshness of chamomile and white flowers. Everything about this wine is balanced: rich yet delicate, vibrant and long." According to Vinous, the 2022 Goldlack will continue to develop until at least 2060, making it one of the estate's longest-lasting dry Rieslings.

The 2022 vintage in the Rheingau

The 2022 vintage was challenging but exceptional for winegrowing in the Rheingau. A warm and dry spring was followed by a hot summer with record temperatures, while rain in September offered some relief. This alternating drought and rain resulted in grapes with high concentration and aromatic intensity. For a wine like Goldlack, this resulted in an expressive, mineral style with perfect ripeness and vibrant freshness – a vintage that is already showing its full potential, but can still age for decades.

Would you like to order wines from Schloss Johannisberg online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings at Schloss Johannisberg Goldlack 2022

The Goldlack 2022 is versatile at the table and pairs beautifully with dishes that possess both finesse and depth. Grilled sea bass with lemon butter complements the wine's briny minerality perfectly. A risotto with saffron and green asparagus enhances the spicy and floral notes. Roast veal fillet with chanterelles and celeriac purée is also a classic pairing that emphasizes the wine's concentration. Try it with scallops in truffle cream sauce for a luxurious pairing that perfectly balances the tension between creaminess and acidity. Finally, a slightly spicy curry with coconut and lime makes a surprisingly refreshing combination, allowing the Riesling to fully express its aromatic power.