Schildknecht leaves Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate’s long-standing German and Austrian wine reviewer, David Schildknecht, is leaving to be replaced by Stephan Reinhardt.

Schildknecht has been the publication’s German and Austrian reviewer, among other regions, since 2004.

Reinhardt (pictured) will take over the core of Schildknecht’s responsibilities, reviewing the wines of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Alsace, Champagne and the Loire.

The review’s founder, Robert Parker, said: “I have the highest professional respect for David. His talent is exceptional, and he will be greatly missed.

“It’s never easy replacing any of our writers, but we believe Stephan is a great addition to the team as a native and recognized authority on German wine.”

Reinhardt was born in Germany and has written several books on the wines of the country including The Finest Wines of Germany which was shortlisted in last year’s Louis Roederer awards and Wein spricht deutsch, a collaborative effort on the wines of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Alsace and Alto Adige.

He is or has been a regular contributor to publications such as Der Feinschmecker, Falstaff and Fine – das Weinmagazin.

He said of his appointment: “I am excited to be writing for one of the greatest wine journals in the world.

“I have the deepest respect for Robert Parker and the Wine Advocate and am thrilled to be joining his esteemed team of world-renowned reviewers.”

The announcement of another reviewer for Oregon is expected shortly.