Germany’s Welcome Surprise

The 2023 vintage defies expectations, with high quality Rieslings in every style

From left: Niklas Haag, Ute Haag, Thomas Haag and Lara Haag, owners of Schloss Lieser winery
The Haag family of Schloss Lieser (from left): Niklas, Ute, Thomas and Lara (Markus Bassler)

German Rieslings are known for their racy acidity and pure, fresh minerality, whether an off-dry kabinett, a lush spätlese or sweet auslese. With the release of the highly successful 2023 vintage, impressive bottles are now available from the Mosel, Rheinhessen, Pfalz and beyond. Senior editor Kristen Bieler has tasted over 200 wines from the past year for this report, including standouts from Robert Weil, Haart, Schloss Lieser, Joh. Jos. Prüm and Wittmann. Read on for details on the latest releases, plus scores and tasting notes!

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 450,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

12 Refreshing Alto Adige Whites Up to 92 Points

12 Refreshing Alto Adige Whites Up to 92 Points

New reviews of top Italian Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and more, priced as …

Oct 9, 2025
Play It Cool

Play It Cool

The global trend toward cooler-climate wines is yielding an array of outstanding buys

Nov 15, 2025
Different Shades of White Burgundy

Different Shades of White Burgundy

The 2022 vintage is classic, with elite wines joined by more affordable versions from …

Nov 15, 2025
Trading Up on New Zealand

Trading Up on New Zealand

Distinctive wines and producers’ green mindset fuel consumer appeal for the top bottlings

Nov 15, 2025
Gigondas Blanc: Exciting and New

Gigondas Blanc: Exciting and New

Get to know these Clairette-based white wines from the Southern Rhône

Nov 15, 2025
8 Exuberant California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points

8 Exuberant California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points

New reviews of Golden State whites, including wines from Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and more, …

Oct 6, 2025