The 2012 Riesling Schoelhammer is from a separate parcel in the center of the Schoenenbourg Grand Cru. Planted in 1992, it has been bottled separately since 2007. This was the vineyard where the Hugels began their organic farming experiment as early as 2006. Compared to its 2012 Grossi Laüe counterpart, this is still tight and taut, showing some smokiness alongside the dried lemon peel, but still very shy on the nose. This will be released in March 2023, after ten years of bottle age - and it is still shy. More air gives a hint of waxiness, of more lemon zest, candied and dried. The palate is smooth, rounded, almost viscous and concentrated. This is taut and lemon-focused - and where its Grossi Laüe counterpart is serene, this is lemon-focused and has such pithiness. (Dry)(AK)

From the heart of the Schoenenbourg, the 2012 Riesling Schoelhammer is beautifully clear, fresh, bright and herbal on the nose that reveals thyme and minty notes intertwined with lemony aromas and notes of finely crushed stones. On the palate, this is a rich, concentrated and complex but elegant and persistently salty Riesling with fine tannins and a long, intense, textured and slightly drying finish. Racked from the gross lees in March and bottled in August 2013, it's to be released in 2023. 12.4% alcohol. Diam cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2022. 2021 was a difficult vintage, with only 50% of the normal crop due to mildew, but the quality was good. It was disastrous in the south but better in the north. There is high acid and good concentration, and it was a long growing season, like 2010. In 2021, it was mildew problems, whereas in 2010, it was colure. The first-level wines won't be great because they were picked early, and Pinot Noir was challenging.(SR)

The velvety texture of this Riesling belies the elegance of this white, as the great, ripe acidity flows through, linking the elements of orchard fruit, paraffin, medicinal herbs, Asian spices and wet stone. It shows an impressive range and depth, and remarkable vivaciousness for its age. At a great spot now, but it would be interesting to track its further development. (AZ)