“A very charming wine…” – Jeb Dunnuck

Hear that Öömrang fans? This dry Riesling is RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY.

Just like Öömrang, Zeitlos has a singular goal: to excel in German-inspired varieties in the New World. The similarities are striking, so don’t forget to check out their Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder-style!) here in the Store for the day too.

Zeitlos means “timeless” in German. And is the brainchild of Chris Jackson. Yes, of that Jackson Family, along with his friend and winemaker Fabian Krause. Born and raised in Germany, and making wine there since the age of 16, since 2017, Krause has been working alongside the Seillans at Vérité. When not helping make 100 pointers, his passion lies in achieving the same high standards at Zeitlos.

At the famed Stonestreet Estate, Riesling has been thriving for decades now, but the variety was a bit overlooked with the big demand for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from there, until the Zeitlos project took over those blocks on Cougar Ridge in 2020. They are at around 900-1,000 feet in elevation, which makes this terroir ideal for capturing the varietal essence that makes Riesling so noble. With the Pacific just 20 miles to the West, being at the fog line aptly sprinkles the final puff of magic dust.

Even early on, Zeitlos wines were extremely well received in the press, with Wine Advocate raving about the inaugural vintage, “I tasted the Zeitlos wines during a visit to Verité in the spring of 2022 with Chris Jackson, Pierre Seillan, and his daughter, Hélène. Zeitlos proprietor and winemaker Fabian Krause is also the Brand Winemaker at Verité. The Dry Riesling comes from vines planted in 1997-1998 at around 1,000 feet in elevation on a southeast-facing block, where fruit is farmed to avoid botrytis. Well-balanced, it captures sunny California fruit with lots of freshness and focus.”

Exactly! Blind, you’d be somewhere in the Nahe, with hesitations that ring of the Finger Lakes. Never for once in California, it’s SO HARD to find Riesling around here that’s dialed in like this. From telltale acidity to earthly minerals to stone fruit and tropical essense, it’s all one could ask for from a seriously refreshing white.

Warm days are approaching fast, and at this CRAZY low price on a once legit $70 Riesling, anything less than a case is a questionable move.

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “Winemaker Fabian Krause is making some of the most compelling Riesling in Sonoma right now. Zeitlos is part of Jackson Family Wines and was founded by Krause alongside Chris Jackson and Jake Wiedmann, who is responsible for the intricate label art. Pouring a straw yellow hue, the 2022 Riesling displays a great deal of crystalline purity. Sourced from the Stonestreet Estate (Cougar Ridge), it shows off an elegant, floral perfume with aromas of white flowers, white peach, pineapple, and saline. The palate offers a lovely, ripe feel, with medium body and a stony texture. It feels approachable in this vintage, with an elegant, juicy profile while remaining dry. It has a long finish, with a delicate touch of white pepper and saline notes. A very charming wine from Fabian Krause, this will have an open window for drinking over the coming 10 years. Drink 2024-2034.”