92 points, Wine Enthusiast
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91 points, James Suckling
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90 points, Wine Advocate
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About the Wine
Critic Reviews
92 points, Wine Enthusiast
91 points, James Suckling
90 points, Wine Advocate
It’s increasingly difficult to find standout Pinot Noir under $30, and this bristling, intensely black-fruited Pinot delivers year after year. Notes of granite and smoke weave into crisp black cherry and plum on the palate. It’s succulent in mouthfeel but braced by tingling cassis acidity and a finish framed by crushed stone and fine, velveteen tannins. It’s delicious now, but should hold well through 2028. Vineyard Brands. Editors’ Choice. —Anna Lee C. Iijima
91 points, James Suckling
‘This is a perfect introduction to German pinot noir, because it has so much black-cherry fruit, but also excellent balance of medium body, rather fine tannins and fresh acidity. A joyful wine with some nice mineral character at the finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
90 points, Wine Advocate
“August Kesseler’s 2018 Rheingau Pinot Noir The Daily August is concentrated and floral in its aromatic and terroir-driven profile that reflects the slate terroir of Assmannshausen as well as that of Lorch and Rüdesheim. Cherry and dark berry aromas along with crushed slate notes dominate the nose that is remarkably elegant and German in its combination of red cherries, rose petals, red cassis and oaky/toasty tones. Based on vines averaging 30 years of age, this is a charmingly round, refined and elegant Pinot with a silky texture, crystalline freshness and lingering finesse, grip and mineral tension. This would be a gorgeous everyday wine, indeed if only there were that many bottles. I love that astringency and fleshy grip on the finish! A fabulous Daily August. 14% alcohol. Tasted from AP 13 20 in January 2021.”
About The Winery
When August Kesseler took over his parents' establishment, which was founded in 1924, he was only 19 years old. Traditionally, mostly bulk wine was produced and the vineyard area was just over six acres. Today, under August's guidance, the estate has become one of the flagship producers of the Rheingau area and has also acquired an impressive international reputation. The estate spans 80 acres of vineyards located in some of the best Rheingau sites, such as Assmannshäuser, Höllenberg, Rüdesheim Berg, Schlossberg, Lorchhäuser, Seligmacher, Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, and many more. They produce 60% Riesling and 40% Pinot Noir and are a member of the VDP and the German Barrique-Forum.
Max Himstedt, who joined the team in 1989, is the estate's head winemaker, who has been pushing forward the production of world-class wines. Simon Batarseh, an ambitious oenologist, has been with the winery since 1993 and is August's right-hand-man, working on blending, sales, and exports. Together, August, Max, and Simon will continue to ensure quality wines are produced at the highest level.
Max Himstedt, who joined the team in 1989, is the estate's head winemaker, who has been pushing forward the production of world-class wines. Simon Batarseh, an ambitious oenologist, has been with the winery since 1993 and is August's right-hand-man, working on blending, sales, and exports. Together, August, Max, and Simon will continue to ensure quality wines are produced at the highest level.
