Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett Review

An electrifyingly good wine, we review the Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett from Germany.

Riesling from the Leistenberg vineyard near Oberhauser in Nahe, Germany. The wine is fermented and matured in stainless steel vats and large oak barrels.

Sample submitted for review. The wine has an SRP of $30 but is available for around $25. It is imported by Skurnik Wines.

From the winery:

The Leistenberg vineyard lies in a small side valley of the Nahe just outside Oberhausen. The name is a double play on words. “Leisten ” means “achieve ” in German, and the Leistenberg perpetually lives up to its name. “Lei ” is also a regional word for slate, and these warm, decomposed clay slate soils and steep terraced hillsides provide ideal conditions for Riesling to thrive. The southeast-facing slope basks in the morning sun, which dries out any excess moisture and promotes healthy fruit. The afternoon sun is less powerful, nurturing a long ripening period and moderate alcohol levels. An ideal vineyard for Kabinett wines of high minerality and sophisticated elegance.

8.5% Alcohol

The 2022 Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett opens with a very attractive aroma of apples, lots of floral notes, peach, lemon and more.

The wine tastes – wow! I’m trying to think of the right descriptor for this. It’s lively and zippy, but electrifying might be the best word. Loaded with delicious, juicy fruit, this is just a delight. It’s so rich and flavorful with so many sweet fruit flavors yet balanced with so much acidity, it’s quite captivating.

It ends crisp, dry (but with lots of sweet fruit flavors) and long on the tremendous, lip-smacking finish.

Looking for more great Riesling? Find all of our recommendations, plus tips to finding great value in our giant guide.

You can also find more of our favorite wines from Germany here.