Winemaker Notes
Steinhügel is German for rock pile or cairn. The grapes all come from the La Estancia Vineyard. The vineyard is loaded with decomposed granite from the mountains behind Big Sur. There are two German clones, each with its own picking date and two cuvées. Each pick is separated into two versions: a direct whole cluster pressing and an overnight macerated pressing. Steinhügel is an example what many love so much about Riesling. It is loaded with generous fruit, layered with long textures, and energized with vibrant acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2022 Riesling Steinhügel, from La Estancia in the Santa Lucia Highlands, is beautifully perfumed and racy. Light on its feet, the 2022 is full of varietal character. Orchard fruit, jasmine, mint and white pepper lend notable brilliance throughout.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.