Alsace highlights

 

Veuve Roth Pinot Gris 2008, AC Alsace

Tasted July 2012

Conclusions (16,5/20) - very good quality wine, exudes sense of place and tipicity. Full and rounded palate with a smooth texture showing a pleasing balance between the sweetness of fruit ripeness and a fresh mouthwatering acidity. Would benefit from some extra length, the juicy flavours are not quite prolonged on the aftertaste. Drink now, it is ready, or keep for 3 to 5 more years for an even rounder and honeyed style.

Approximate retail price - €9,50

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Trimbach Gewürztraminer Vendage Tardive 2002, Alsace AC

Tasted July 2012

Conclusions (18/20) - outstanding wine, gives a perfect example of a sweet Alsatian with all the right attributes of Gewürztraminer, but with extra complexity and very harmonious. Creamy and mouthcoating, shows super aromatic and flavour pungency, with aromas jumping from the glass from afar. Ripe fruit and honeyed sweet notes are balanced by a perfect acidity that is perfectly integrated in the robust structure, one could say almost hidden. Endless length, sticks to your palate in a very rewarding fashion. Perfectly ready to drink, but will not fade on the short term. Please don't forget to properly chill it to 6/7 ºC and drink out of a dessert wine glass (small Tulip shaped) to fully enjoy it.

You know a wine is great when the glass is empty but you can't take your nose out of it, not wanting to stop feeling all those voluptuous aromas.

Approximate retail price - €40/750ml & €20/375ml

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_Domaine Weinbach Gewürztraminer Altenbourg Cuvée Laurence 1998 AC Alsace

Tasted November 2011

Conclusions (18/20) - Outstanding quality, super premium price (€40). Quite ripe, but very fresh, concentrated fruit flavours giving it profound depth, rich, unctuous creaminess that's mouth-coating but still refreshing, very long length pleasurable aftertaste. Has all the power of the Gewürztraminer without being blousy. It's perfect to drink now but will continue to evolve positively at least 3/4 years. Simply delicious!

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