AWARDS

OUR AWARDS

As colourful and varied as all our wines present themselves, so wonderfully diverse are the voices of the press. We are pleased about big national awards like "Winegrower of the Year", "Collection of the Year" or "Producer of the Year" - and also from abroad we hear praising tones! Please see for yourself that the main thing we do here is to show current and, as a rule, only positive ratings. Making wine also has to do with vanity and it's not for nothing that people say: "You can't argue about taste". And let's be honest: Do you invite friends/acquaintances to dinner again who don't like the way you cook or the ingredients you like to use?


Pinot Noir Hoellenberg GG Falstaff magazine

2019 THE DAILY AUGUST – PINOT NOIR

"Der gut gelaunte, durchaus feine Einstiegswein des Rheingauer Spitzenwinzers August Kesseler. Unvergessen, wie der einmal während einer Probe die Arme in die Höhe reckte und begeistert ausrief: »Diese Frucht!« Kesseler, der den Betrieb mit 19 Jahren übernommen hatte, ist nunmehr Seniorchef. Er bestimmt den typischen Rheingau-Stil, den der Önologe Simon Batarseh und der Kellermeister Max Himstedt mit großer Kunst pflegen." 

Zeit Magazin, Die 20 Besten unter 20 Euro, Gero von Randow, 09.12.2021, S.20

PLATZ 6 UNTER 300 WEINEN: 2020 RÜDESHEIM BERG ROSENECK GG – RIESLING

"Das Große Gewächs von alten Rüdesheimer Rebstöcken ist ein hocheleganter Vertreter seiner Zunft: schmeichelnd, tänzelnd, feinnervig, durchzogen von reifer Säure, die der Fruchtsüße dabei ihren Raum lässt: (Trocken-)Aprikose, reifer Pfirsich, lang im Abgang."

"Der Feinschmecker", Riesling Cup 2021

98 POINTS: 2020 RÜDESHEIM BERG ROSENECK GG – RIESLING

"The deep nose of candied citrus and dried flowers announces the serious intent of this remarkable GG. Enormous concentration and a stunning balance of fruit, racy acidity and minerality, all bundled tightly together at the super-focused finish. Surely the best wine I ever encountered from this underrated top site! Drinkable now, but best from 2023."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

96 POINTS: 2020 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER GG – RIESLING

"Very tightly wound and closed, this dry riesling GG has great structure and focus, but needs a lot of time to reveal its treasures. Packed with wet-stone minerality, the citrusy fruit still in the background. Intense crushed-stone character at the very long, pure finish. Best after 2022."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

95 POINTS: 2020 RÜDESHEIM BERG SCHLOSSBERG GG – RIESLING

"A very tightly wound GG with intense aromas of wild herbs and licorice, and a very stony personality that’s still quite austere. This really needs some time to open up, but the structure is already impressive. Extremely focused, mineral finish that doesn’t want to stop. Best after 2022."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

94 POINTS: 2020 RÜDESHEIMER BISCHOFSBERG - VDP.ERSTE LAGE® - RIESLING

"The refined nose of fully ripe white and yellow peach pulls you into this very elegant and silky dry riesling that has the depth and stature of a GG. Excellent integration of fruit, tannins and minerals on the medium-bodied palate. Still youthful, with excellent aging potential. Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

93 POINTS: 2020 RIESLING R - KABINETT

"Together with the bracing acidity, the lilac, redcurrant and citrus-zest character give this almost dry riesling wonderful vitality and a very expressive personality. Razor-sharp finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

93 POINTS: 2020 RÜDESHEIM - VDP.ORTSWEIN - RIESLING

"A very classical example of this appellation, with a stunning interplay of finegrained minerality and juicy pear and citrus fruit. Plenty of concentration is packed into this sleek body, which is just 12% alcohol and ends with a star-burst of mineral freshness! Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021


92+ POINTS: 2020 "R" - VDP.GUTSWEIN – RIESLING KABINETT

"A fragrance that shoots from all guns: floral notes, red apple, mango, balsamic terroir spicy. In the mouth taut and dense with a richness in a slender format, juicy draw and drinking animation, fine fruit, but also mineral-spicy plants." Urlich Sautter; Riesling Kabinett Trophy 2021, Falstaff, July 2021.


92 POINTS: 2020 LORCH - VDP.ORTSWEIN - RIESLING

"Deep and complex with a ton of wild-herb and licorice aromas, this is a very striking dry riesling that is at once sleek yet juicy, the long finish very clean with driving lemon-zest and wet-stone character. Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

90 POINTS: 2020 THE DAILY AUGUST - RIESLING

"A juicy, light dry riesling that’s easy to enjoy, thanks to its effusive apple and citrus fruit, but also because of the crisp but well-integrated acidity. A little touch of tannin neatly underlines all this at the lemony finish. Drink now. Screw cap."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

97 POINTS: 2019 ASSMANNSHAUSEN HÖLLENBERG GG - PINOT NOIR

"The imposing structure and stature of this youthful Rheingau pinot noir leave no doubt that it’s been crafted for long-term aging. With plenty of aeration, the forestberry and cassis fruit emerges from behind the toasty oak, slowly pushing it into the background. Stunning concentration and structure, with mineral acidity that gives this wonderful lightness and energy at the very long finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2024."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

95 POINTS: 2019 CUVÉE MAX - PINOT NOIR

"Stunning interplay of fragrant red-fruit character with concentrated, fine tannins and a touch of smoky oak. The restrained power of a top red Burgundy, but packed into a sleeker silhouette. The tannins build steadily at the long, precise and sensual finish. Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

93 POINTS: 2019 MOMENTUM GAUDEO - PINOT NOIR

"Complex nose of allspice, cardamon and a whiff of smoke. Impressive depth and structure on the generous palate are married to discreet forest-berry fruit and pronounced crushed-rock minerality. Slightly robust finish, but with excellent intensity. The Latin name means “the happy moment”, and this is the first vintage under that name. Drinkable now, but best from 2023."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

92 Points: 2019 THE DAILY AUGUST – PINOT NOIR

"Brimming with black-cherry and cassis aromas, this elegant, medium-bodied pinot noir is an ideal introduction to the new red wines of Germany. Very good concentration and plenty of fine tannins are balanced by delicately sweet fruit. Long and velvety, dry finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott, October 6, 2021

92 Points: 2018 "THE DAILY AUGUST" PINOT NOIR

"It’s increasingly difficult to find standout Pinot Noir under $30, and this bristling, intensely black-fruited Pinot delivers year after year. Notes of granite and smoke weave into crisp black cherry and plum on the palate. It’s succulent in mouthfeel but braced by tingling cassis acidity and a finish framed by crushed stone and fine, velveteen tannins. It’s delicious now, but should hold well through 2028. Vineyard Brands. Editors’ Choice. — Anna Lee C. Iijima"

Wine Enthusiast, 07/2021

www.jamessuckling.com, March 23, 2021

90 Points: 2020 "THE DAILY AUGUST" PINOT NOIR ROSÉ

"Super fresh redcurrant and wild strawberry pours from the glass of this vibrant and elegant rosé that’s full of the joys of spring. Expertly crafted balance of fruit, acidity, medium body and a whisker of grape sweetness. Drink now. Screw cap."

www.jamessuckling.com, March 23, 2021

19/20 Points: 2019 RÜDESHEIM BERG ROSENECK GG - RIESLING

"Mineral, silky, closed bouquet, grapefruit, delicate fermentation aromas, mint, star fruit, slate. Dense, elegant, silky palate, fine fruit, very well integrated acidity, dense structure, powerful minerality, diverse aromatics, long powerful, fresh finish."

Schweizerische Weinzeitung, Edition 03, March 2021

19/20 POINTS: 2019 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER GG - RIESLING

"Mineral, silky, fragrant, playful bouquet, lemon cream, mint, slate, raspberry blossom. Dense, layered, elegant, fresh palate, silky structure, diverse, powerful aromatics, fine fruit, very good minerality, very well integrated acidity, very long, fresh finish."

Schweizerische Weinzeitung, Edition 03, March 2021

97 POINTS: AUGUST KESSELER 2015 CUVÉE MAX - PINOT NOIR

"From nose to finish, this is such a complex, compelling Pinot Noir. Notes of raspberry, rose and freshly tilled earth on the nose augmenting richly concentrated flavors of black cherry and berry. It's delicate in tannin but has a thrilling acidic lift on the finish. This is lovely already but should gain earthen complexity through 2040 and hold longer still."  - Anna Lee C. Iijima

Wine Enthusiast, 12/2/2020, Our 10 Most Collectable Pinot Noirs of 2020

96 POINTS: 2018 ASSMANNSHAUSEN HÖLLENBERG GG - PINOT NOIR

"The breathtaking cassis almost bowls you over! Super ripe and super silky, but with a great structure behind it, this is a great pinot noir that connoisseurs of this grape should not miss. The tannins and slate minerality build and build at the imposing yet fresh finish. Drink or hold"

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott

17.5 POINTS: 2018 ASSMANNSHAUSEN HÖLLENBERG GG - PINOT NOIR

“The only Spätburgunder in my line-up, as it was sent to my home. The almost black colour with deep purple rim hardly suggests Pinot Noir. On the nose we are presented with a pronounced fragrance of blackberry and black cherry, augmented by a deft nuance of clove. On the palate it’s ripe and sweet blackberry, a hint of blackcurrant and wood spice. Surprisingly well-tamed tannins. A blockbuster that is very different from your Huber and Fürst Spätburgunder wines, but has enjoyed a strong following in the States for a long time. (MS)”

www.jancisrobinson.com

17 POINTS: 2017 MOMENTUM GAUDEO PINOT NOIR TROCKEN

“Not a phrase in the Latin dictionary, but probably ‘I’m enjoying the moment’. It could be that, as they did not make any Grosse Gewächse in 2017, some of the best Pinot grapes in that vintage may have found their way into this wine. In that case, carpe diem. Great nose: cherries, fruits of the forest, smoky and peppery nuances, a hint of cedar spice. Not the onslaught expected on the palate: more finesse and less power. Subtle tannins don’t obstruct the juicy flow but provide good structure. Maybe slightly bitter at the moment, but likely to mellow with age. August Kesseler has been known for some big powerful Pinots in his time. This one is elegant. (MS)”

www.jancisrobinson.com

97 POINTS: 2018 RÜDESHEIM BERG SCHLOSSBERG GG - PINOT NOIR 

"What a great, sour and black-cherry nose this Rheingau pinot noir has, that aroma beautifully complemented by just a kiss of oak. Concentrated and high-structured with tons of fine-grained tannins, this needs some time to give its best. Very long, intense mineral finish that promises a big reward for the patient. Better after 2021."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott

96 POINTS: 2019 RÜDESHEIM BERG SCHLOSSBERG GG - RIESLING

"The expansive but precisely delineated blossom, citrus and exotic-fruit aromas suck you into this very concentrated yet succulent and vibrant GG that already makes a great statement. I love the very long, mouthwatering finish that has so much mineral freshness. Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott

18 Points: 2019 RÜDESHEIM BERG SCHLOSSBERG GG - RIESLING

"Apricot and orange on the nose, a subtle floral note, also a hint of botrytis. On the palate quite sweet with fruit of apricot and orange, before dried garden herbs and the merest notion of earthy minerality take over the finish. Truly traditional Rheingau. (MS)"

www.jancisrobinson.com

95 POINTS: 2019 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER GG - RIESLING

"This is not as dry as most GGs, but that doesn’t matter, because this wine is dry enough and has a sensational interplay of racy mineral acidity, vibrant peachy fruit with tons of passion-fruit, lemon-zest and herbal notes. What a breathtaking finish! Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott

18 POINTS: 2019 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER GG - RIESLING

“Caramel and butterscotch indicate that the Seligmacher is not averse to a little vinification in oak, but there’s also some very aromatic fruit here, more than slightly reminiscent of blackcurrant. On the palate it tastes more like sweet gooseberry, but is well balanced by deliciously stimulating acidity. Seems to be getting drier towards the finish, probably because of a healthy dose of graphite-like minerality. (MS)”

www.jancisrobinson.com

93 POINTS: 2019 RÜDESHEIM BERG ROSENECK GG - RIESLING

"Lemon, white-currant and smoky notes lead you into this sleek yet succulent and vibrant dry white that is crisp yet almost silky in texture. Long clean, mineral finish. Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com, Stuart Pigott

17.5 POINTS: 2019 RÜDESHEIM BERG ROSENECK GG - RIESLING

“On the nose the Roseneck shows a pleasant combination of citrus fruit and delicate floral notions. The taste may be uncomplicated but really refreshes the palate with a perfect composition of juicy peach, sweet grapefruit and animating acidity. An easy-drinking Riesling, proving that not every Grosses Gewächs has to be an intellectual challenge. (MS)”

www.jancisrobinson.com

VDP.GROSSE GEWÄCHSE 2018: ROSENECK aND SELIGMACHER

"Kesseler has an outstanding, almost dreamlike ROSENECK. As it should be with Kessler, of course the whole thing has a lot of residual sugar. But, compared to the years before, the wines are no longer so extremely powerful in alcohol and sometimes highly concentrated. A clear change of style is noticeable here. The typical fruitiness and harmony is now supported by a new lightness. This is quite wonderful. And it is even more wonderful to feel and taste this with the SELIGMACHER. The word "delicious" is therefore the very best description for this wine. And to all those who consider "delicious" to be degrading or even banal I would like to say that for me this is one of the best terms for a wine at all. I could drink the SELIGMACHER bottle by bottle. And I am sure that it will taste even better in ten years. Either way, for me this is one of the top wines this year and in this region."
www.wuertz-wein.de; "VDP.GROSSE GEWÄCHSE 2018", 26.08.2019, Dirk Würtz

VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS: 2018 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER RIESLING GG

"And I proclaim one wine the winner of the day because I was so impressed with its drinking flow, its depth, its finesse and its elegance. In my opinion it is possible to do different, but not better: August Kesseler: 2018 Lorchhäuser Seligmacher Riesling VDP.GG. A sensation!"

Der Rheingauer Weinschmecker - der Bock-Blog.; "VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS.", 26.08.2019

95-97 Points: 2018 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER RIESLING GG

"Seligmacher 2018 Riesling August Kesseler: pure drinking flow, elegance, raffinesse, long flavor 95-97"

www.nikos-weinwelten.de; "VDP Großes Gewächs - Super-Jahrgang 2018", 01.09.2019

THE 50 BEST WINES OF GERMANY

Place 20: Assmannshäuser Höllenberg Pinot Noir GG, August Kesseler
"At the end of the 1980s, a German Spätburgunder made an international name for himself: August Kessler's Pinot from the steep slopes of Assmannshausen was an exotic in a wine world that was only just becoming globalised. But the peg he hit still holds true today: "Slate brings Burgundy with incomparable elegance". Falstaff Magazine Edition 01/2018 (Page 12)

99 Points: 2017 Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg RIESLING GG

"Extremely chiselled fragrance full of slate. Touchingly beautiful course, always in the trace. Touching, shimmering, almost crisp acidity. Juicy, space-filling, mineral. Imperial finale. 99 points."

FAZ 2018, "Große Gewächse",  Fabian und Cornelius Lange

97 Points: 2017 Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg RIESLING GG

"Still just a whisker of youthful funk, but this has already unfurled a peacock's tail of delicate aromas that range from apple to pineapple. Stunning concentration and brilliance. Sensational balance of bright fruit, underplayed power and mineral acidity. Long aging potential. Drink or hold."

www.jamessuckling.com

94 Points: 2018 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER RIESLING GG

"Intensely aromatic, spicy notes of cardamom, bee pollen and clay mingle into notes of yellow peach and apple blossom in this piercing, gorgeously extracted dry Riesling. It’s full bodied and voluminous, almost creamy, on the palate but fringed by delicately puckering tannins and steely tangs of acidity and mineral. It’s tightly wound, but should improve well through 2035 and likely further. "

Wine Enthusiast, 8/1/2020

95 Points: 2017 LORCHHAUSEN SELIGMACHER RIESLING GG

"Wet river rocks and steel extend into rose petal, white peach and honeysuckle in this effusive, complex dry Riesling. It’s full bodied yet silken and spry, elevated by tangy lime acidity and a pristine mineral edge. Lovely already but it will improve through 2030, and likely further."

Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2020

92 Points: 2017 lorcher schlossberg "alte reben" - vdp.erste lage®

"Whiffs of cut minerals and fresh white linen accentuate pristine white grapefruit on the nose and palate of this bristling Riesling. Semidry in style, it offers balanced, fruity sweetness edged by crisp acidity and a lean, mineral finish. Lovely now but it should gain depth and texture over the next decade."

Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2020

93 Points: 2017 "THE DAILY AUGUST" PINOT NOIR

"Always a crowd pleaser, this well-priced Pinot is gorgeous from first whiff, offering plumes of dried rose petal, black cherry and earth. It’s ripe but elegantly restrained, awakening the palate with hits of pert blackberry edged by burnt caramel and fresh beetroot. Fine, silky tannins make it approachable already but it’s structured enough to last a decade."

Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2020

92 Points: 2016 lorch riesling - vdp.ortswein

"A beauty that benefited from extra aging, this is expressive and seductive now, with complex aromas of passion fruit, orchard blossom and mineral accenting the elegant profile and silky texture. Harmonious and refined, revealing a lingering aftertaste of citrus and saline mineral. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."

Wine Spectator, 6/30/2020

92 Points: 2016 lorch riesling - vdp.ortswein

"Tantalizing aromas of rose petal, pink grapefruit and guava introduce this vibrantly fruity, floral Riesling. It’s light bodied and spry but gorgeously concentrated with lemon and grapefruit flavors. This is a thirst-quenching, widely appealing dry wine to enjoy now through 2026."

Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2020

96 POINTS: 2016 ASSMANNSHAUSEN HÖLLENBERG GG

"Hints of violet, succulent black cherries and freshly dug beetroot perfume this complex, intensely concentrated Pinot Noir. It’s rich and voluptuously textured but balanced by crisp red-currant acidity and fine feathery tannins. Appealing now for its opulent fruit and heady spice, but time in the cellar should lend even more complexity and nuance."

Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2020

95 POINTS: 2016 ASSMANNSHAUSEN HÖLLENBERG GG

"dried rose petals, fine perfume, smoke. Face powder. Delicate yet powerful tanning agents. Enormous aroma volume.
Great Pinot in a class of its own. 95 points."

FAZ 2018, "Große Gewächse",  Fabian und Cornelius Lange

94 POINTS: 2014 PINOT NOIR

"Kesseler’s “basic” Pinot Noir offers all the deeply concentrated black cherry and plum flavors of its more expensive siblings, but its sauvage wild berry perfume and delicate tannin structure make it irresistibly hedonistic. Tasted in 2020, it’s still plenty youthful and should continue to improve through at least 2030" 

Wine Enthusiast, 12/2020, Editor's Choice

94 POINTS: 2015 RUEDESHEIM BERG ROSENECK GG

"The 2015 Rüdesheim Berg Roseneck Riesling Trocken VDP Grosse Lage has a golden color and a fascinatingly deep, intense and elegant bouquet of ripe Riesling fruits perfectly intermixed with the mineral and herbal/floral flavors of the Roseneck terroir. Full-bodied and very complex on the palate, this Riesling cru is highly elegant and vivacious on the palate, pure and piquant. It reveals a really great and deep soul. It combines power and persistence with elegance, finesse and lightness; the finish is lovely intense and salty. A great Rheingau Riesling with grip, tension and a great ageing potential.“ 

www.robertparker.com

You can download a compilation with further awards as a PDF file using the following download button.