Superb Alsace Grand Cru Rieslings from 2022 and 2012

TL;DR

Decanter panel tasted 81 Alsace Grand Cru Rieslings from the 2022 and 2012 vintages.[[1]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages/)[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)
Two wines scored exceptional (98-100 points): Barmès-Buecher Hengst 2022 and Trimbach Geisberg 2012; eight scored outstanding.[[3]](https://www.pressreader.com/uk/decanter/20260301/282999701309981?srsltid=AfmBOoo5gM84hdk9OfXEj4-OvkpfE3GSQwHzJv7NJ5bza-sFDl5_-Vsn)[[4]](https://gb.readly.com/magazines/decanter/2026-03-04/69a0e4c6e4c1634ff06e075a?srsltid=AfmBOor_mrlNx6zvNkA9ej7ELtNJwfs8cIf0i3JAK6ecqwVbmXo1LDqT)
Terroir differences and temperature effects shone through in these high-quality vintages a decade apart.[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)

The story at a glance

Decanter's expert panel, led by Thierry Meyer with Vincenzo Arnese and Claire Thevenot MS, blind-tasted 81 Alsace Grand Cru Rieslings from the 2022 and 2012 vintages.[[5]](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/decanter_superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-activity-7447991775400570881-adNK)[[6]](https://gb.readly.com/magazines/decanter/2026-03-04/69a0e4c6e4c1634ff06e075a?srsltid=AfmBOorKdOR9OcuP-btCKOBhst6p7tPhZQ-FNzKnZrZedMu6dCpoq969) The tasting highlighted remarkable quality, with 79% scoring 90 points or above.[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages) It is reported now as part of Decanter's regular panel tastings in early 2026.[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)

Key points

81 wines tasted: 2 exceptional (98-100pts), 8 outstanding (95-97pts), 54 highly recommended (90-94pts), 14 recommended, 1 commended.[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)
Top scorer 2022: Barmès-Buecher Grand Cru Hengst (Thierry Meyer 98, Vincenzo Arnese 97, Claire Thevenot MS 98; around £50).[[3]](https://www.pressreader.com/uk/decanter/20260301/282999701309981?srsltid=AfmBOoo5gM84hdk9OfXEj4-OvkpfE3GSQwHzJv7NJ5bza-sFDl5_-Vsn)
Top scorer 2012: Trimbach Grand Cru Geisberg (Meyer 98, Arnese 98, Thevenot 97; price on application).[[4]](https://gb.readly.com/magazines/decanter/2026-03-04/69a0e4c6e4c1634ff06e075a?srsltid=AfmBOor_mrlNx6zvNkA9ej7ELtNJwfs8cIf0i3JAK6ecqwVbmXo1LDqT)
Other standouts include Zind-Humbrecht Grand Cru Brand 2022 and Domaines Schlumberger Grand Cru Kitterlé 2022 (outstanding).[[7]](https://gb.readly.com/magazines/decanter/2026-03-04/69a0e4c6e4c1634ff06e075a?srsltid=AfmBOopvUXY462RmA1MtpGJAZ89PRaO436Lv-LyjoJCEotJTnRXMDIlT)
Example highly recommended: Dopff au Moulin Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 2012 (average 92pts).[[8]](https://gb.readly.com/magazines/decanter/2026-03-04/69a0e4c6e4c1634ff06e075a?srsltid=AfmBOoqfpoYZVrgEKyb7bl4ueyo2xZUc37n8J3aGRHv1GwWqY578QpYY)
Vintages differed in character but both excelled, with terroir and temperature influences prominent.[[9]](https://www.facebook.com/decanter/photos/while-different-in-character-and-a-decade-apart-these-alsace-grand-cru-riesling-/1379772540856909)[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)

Details and context

The 2022 vintage produced fresher, more immediate wines, while 2012 offered mature depth from a decade of aging, yet both showed thrilling quality.[[9]](https://www.facebook.com/decanter/photos/while-different-in-character-and-a-decade-apart-these-alsace-grand-cru-riesling-/1379772540856909) Panel noted how Alsace's varied grand cru sites—volcanic, granite, limestone—expressed distinct terroir traits amid vintage temperature differences.[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)

These grand crus represent Alsace's premier sites for Riesling, known for dry, ageworthy styles with high acidity and minerality. The tasting's success (79% at 90+ points) underscores strong vintages and producer skill.[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages)

Key quotes

"The quality across both vintages was remarkable."[[2]](https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/wine-panel-tastings/superb-alsace-grand-cru-rieslings-from-two-unique-vintages) – Panel summary (via Decanter)

Why it matters

These results affirm Alsace Grand Cru Rieslings as benchmarks for dry white wines, highlighting terroir-driven excellence in contrasting vintages. Wine buyers and collectors gain reliable high-scorers like Barmès-Buecher and Trimbach for cellaring or drinking now. Watch for full tasting notes on Decanter Premium and how 2022 wines evolve over the next decade.