2023 Hirsch Riesling Heiligenstein Smaragd

An extraordinary Riesling from Austria’s most revered vineyard

A modern icon from the master of Kamptal.

98 Points – JamesSuckling.com | 98 Points – Falstaff

Kamptal DAC, AustriaRRP $185 | Single-Vineyard Riesling | Monumental • Mineral • Sublime

“An extraordinary Riesling from Austria’s most revered vineyard — luminous, crystalline, and breathtakingly pure. A modern icon from the master of Kamptal.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold with silver-green hues — radiant and pristine.
Aroma: Captivating aromas of lime blossom, white peach, apricot, and citrus zest unfold over crushed stone, jasmine, and cool flinty minerality.
Palate: Electric precision meets seamless texture. Juicy citrus and stone-fruit intensity flow across a spine of tension and salinity. Every detail feels perfectly in balance — fruit, acid, and minerality dancing in harmony.
Finish: Endless and ethereal — a shimmering echo of citrus, salt, and stone that seems to go on forever.

Critical Acclaim

• 98 Points – JamesSuckling.com
  “An utterly spellbinding Riesling of energy and elegance. Lemon peel, white peach and wet stone with breathtaking focus and precision. This is world-class.”

• 98 Points – Falstaff
  “A masterpiece of clarity, length and expression. Crystalline fruit, seamless texture and striking mineral tension — Heiligenstein at its absolute best.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

The Heiligenstein Vineyard is Austria’s crown jewel — a dramatic, south-facing amphitheatre of Permian desert sandstone and volcanic rock overlooking the Kamptal Valley.
Its prehistoric soils and steep terraces create Rieslings of profound mineral purity, intensity, and longevity.

At Weingut Hirsch, biodynamic farming and meticulous attention to detail define the craft:

• Biodynamically farmed fruit from old vines

• Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed for delicacy

• Spontaneous fermentation with ambient yeasts

• Aged on fine lees in large neutral oak casks for depth and structure

The result is a wine of transcendent balance and purity, expressing both power and stillness — a true Grand Cru in every sense.

Region

Kamptal DAC, Austria – Ried Heiligenstein, Zöbing
Heiligenstein is universally regarded as Austria’s greatest Riesling vineyard, producing wines of clarity, tension, and longevity that rival the finest from Germany and Alsace.
Its combination of ancient soils, altitude, and exposure yields Rieslings of unparalleled mineral energy and elegance.

Food Pairings

• Lobster or grilled prawns with lemon butter

• Roasted duck or quail with citrus glaze

• Sashimi or sushi with wasabi and ginger

• Thai cuisine with lemongrass and kaffir lime

• Soft-rind cheeses such as Brie de Meaux or Brillat-Savarin

Why We Love It

The 2023 Hirsch ‘Ried Heiligenstein’ Riesling stands as one of the greatest white wines produced in Austria — and the world.
It combines the laser focus of Heiligenstein’s terroir with the soulful finesse of Hirsch’s biodynamic craft.
Every glass feels alive — vibrant, textural, and endlessly pure.

Awarded 98 points by both James Suckling and Falstaff, this is a near-perfect vintage expression that will age effortlessly for decades — a must-have for any collector or fine-wine enthusiast.

Majestic. Pure. Eternal.
The 2023 Hirsch ‘Ried Heiligenstein’ Riesling is a 98-point masterpiece — the pinnacle of Austrian Riesling.