Kesten is a small village right by the Mosel surrounded by steep vineyards called Paulinsberg (=hills of Saint Paul). The vines grow on bridle clay slate near the river - a classic terroir that has been cultivated with vines ever since Roman times. Riesling is the most typical grape of the Mosel region that produced a fruity Kabinett with beautiful peach aromas on the nose, rich and ripe fruits on the mouth with honeyed notes and a refreshing acidity. This is a very pleasing wine.
"This prototypical Mosel Kabinett has depth and vibrancy all packed into a light-bodied frame. Not super-sleek, but enormously refreshing with super-expressive white peach, yellow apple and honeysuckle aromas. Super-crisp finish. Delicious now, but excellent aging potential too! From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling (November 2023), 94 pts
"Cut stone and tart pineapple aromas introduce this light-bodied, electrifying kabinett. Just a hint sweet on the palate, its bold lemon, lime and green-apple flavors are juxtaposed by spine tingling acidity and a long, lingering crush of salty, smoky minerality. Heavenly young but should maintain peak through 2026 at least. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA"
- Wine Enthusiast (September 2022), 91 pts
"Strikes of slate and lime zest are brightened by juicy, sweet pineapple in this zippy off-dry Riesling. Racy acidity and a delicate prickle of effervescence lend a vital, thrilling edge to the palate. At peak now but should hold well through 2024. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA"
- Wine Enthusiast (July 2020), 91 pts
"There’s a tension between this wine’s honeyed apricot flavors and its lightly bitter pear-skin grip that might resolve with time in the bottle, or with a chunk of creamy goat cheese."
- Wine & Spirits Magazine (February 2020), 88 pts & BEST BUY
YEAR'S BEST MOSEL RIESLINGS
"The 2016 Bastgen Kestener Paulinshofberg Riesling Kabinett offers plenty of sweetness yet stays balanced and pure, with vibrant acidity. Classic notes of lime, quince, crushed rocks, and a hint of mint all flow from this medium-bodied, beautifully layered Kabinett. It’s about as drinkable as they come, yet it also has beautiful complexity and elegance."
- Jeb Dunnuck (March 27th 2019), 93 pts
"Pristine minerality and crisp-tart apricot, nectarine and tangerine flavors collide in this spine-tingling semisweet Riesling. It's a crystalline, light-footed wine that persists through a long, luminous finish. Enjoy now through 2023. - Anna Lee C. Iijima"
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine (February 1st 2019), 91 pts
"Almost too much body for this "light" category, but it has plenty of ripe apples, peaches and pie-crust character. The finish is long and clean. Drink now or in 2019 and 2020."
- James Suckling (June 25th 2018), 92 pts
"Earthy notes of pollen accent robust yellow peach and quince in this medium-sweet Kabinett. Fine brisk texture and scintillating acidity lend a lacy fragile feel to the palate. The finish lingers sweetly. - Anna Lee C. Iijima"
- Wine Enthusiast (October 1st 2017), 89 pts
"In the cool 2014 vintage, this steep vineyard near Bernkasteler-Kues gave super fruity wines. This Kabinett has multifaceted flavors of tropical fruit, with crunchy green grape and green apple notes to bring a crisp freshness to the wine. The acidity has a cool, minty edge, keeping it lively and clean. Check out the Paulinshofberg Spatlese as well."
- Wine & Spirits Magazine (December 2016), 90 pts + BEST BUY
"Aromas of dried oregano and sage, alongside a vein of dusty minerals, lend a dark, savory tone to this refreshing off-dry Riesling. Crisp apple and lemon flavors are cutting and spry on the palate, finishing brisk and clean."
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2015), 87 pts
Founded in 1850, Weingut Bastgen is located on the tiny hamlet of Monzel, not far from Bernkastel-Keus. The current owners are husband-and-wife team Armin Vogel and Mona Bastgen, who began ...
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