$100 and over
Joh Jos PrUm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese GOLDKAPSEL
Domaine Weinbach Alsace Colette Riesling
At the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill, in a setting of vines and roses, the Domaine Weinbach "wine stream", named after the small stream that crosses it, was built in 1612 by the Capuchin monks. Sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers who passed it on to their son and nephew Théo. A great figure in the Alsatian vineyard and ardent promoter of its recognition as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, Théo Faller works for the quality of Alsace wines and the development of their incomparable terroirs and grape varieties. In love with his property, he develops it, enlarges it and embellishes it. From 1979, his wife Colette and his daughters Catherine and Laurence demonstrated the same passion for the great wines of Alsace and the same unfailing attachment to quality. Since 2016, Catherine Faller has been running the Domaine with her sons Eddy and Théo. Primarily responsible for the Weinbach we know today, Catherine Faller’s mother, Colette Faller, was one of the legends of Alsatian wine. Sadly, Madame Faller passed away in early 2015 and, like her daughter Laurence and husband Théo before her, is now immortalised by a wine bearing her name. This comes from 50-60-year-old vines in the Bonnes Terres terroir, lower down on the Schlossberg slope, where the soils are deeper and sandier. The fruit here also tends to be picked a touch later. Accordingly, the register of flavours here (running from white flowers through to tropical fruits and citrus fruit zest) is more intense, yet the wine balances its power with great freshness and verve. Even though it comes entirely from Schlossberg, some of the vines fall outside the Grand Cru boundary, which is why it cannot be labelled as a Grand Cru. The domaine has now applied for Premier Cru status. But no matter, it certainly offers Grand Cru quality in the glass. Raised for 14 months in old oak casks, it’s statuesque and full of life, packed with the joie de vivre of citrus and stone fruits, salty minerals and a flicker of white flowers. The texture is generous yet stony and compact, and the palate glows with energy and tension with tingling rocky minerality and a nip of bite on the lingering, mouth-watering finish. Biodynamic.
Joh jos prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling-Auslese
Graacher Himmelreich is a renowned vineyard that borders the southern edge of its more famous neighbour Wehlener Sonnenuhr. The Auslese examples typically show grapefruit citrus and green apple aromas, with honeyed overtones, wonderful density and pronounced minerality carried along by signature Mosel racy acidity.
Domaine Weinbach Alsace Théo Riesling
At the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill, in a setting of vines and roses, the Domaine Weinbach "wine stream", named after the small stream that crosses it, was built in 1612 by the Capuchin monks. Sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers who passed it on to their son and nephew Théo. A great figure in the Alsatian vineyard and ardent promoter of its recognition as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, Théo Faller works for the quality of Alsace wines and the development of their incomparable terroirs and grape varieties. In love with his property, he develops it, enlarges it and embellishes it. From 1979, his wife Colette and his daughters Catherine and Laurence demonstrated the same passion for the great wines of Alsace and the same unfailing attachment to quality. Since 2016, Catherine Faller has been running the Domaine with her sons Eddy and Théo. Cuvée Théo Riesling comes exclusively from the monopole Le Clos des Capucins. The clos is well protected from winds by the surrounding hills and by the walls that enclose it. The soils consist of sand, alluvial pebbles and granitic gravel. Here, the low-cropping vines typically offer up a supple and pithy Riesling that is beautifully accessible when young - a reflection of these sandy soils. As per all Weinbach dry Rieslings, this was whole-bunch pressed, fermented without any yeast additions and matured in very old oak casks for 10 months. Biodynamic. It’s beautifully ripe yet crisp, with flawless clarity and vibrating citric freshness. Expect waves of crunchy citrus pith, florals and stone-fruit juiciness, excellent pulp and precision and driven compact length. Finishing on a mineral/umami note, this is a brilliant Riesling—arguably the most electric young Théo Riesling we have seen for some time. All class. Beautifully ripe yet crisp, with flawless clarity and vibrating citric freshness. Expect waves of crunchy citrus pith, florals and stone-fruit juiciness, excellent pulp and precision and driven compact length. Finishing on a mineral/umami note, this is a brilliant Riesling.
Joh jos prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling-Spatlese
Named of the sundial erected in the vineyard in 1842, Wehlener Sonnenuhr is the most famous vineyard in the Mosel. Extremely steep with optimal south-south west exposure, it yields fragrantly floral wines with ripe stone fruit aromas, underlying slately minerality and wonderful depth of flavour and structure. The Spatlese wines are very reticent in youth, blossoming between two and four years of age to display vibrant green apple, and white stone-fruit notes supported by a backbone of racy acidity.
Trimbach Clos Sainte Hune Riesling
Maison Trimbach's viticultural roots can be traced back to 1626. For over twelve generations, the Trimbach family has been dedicated to producing exceptional Alsace wines, earning a reputation for quality and authenticity that has stood the test of time. They have patiently developed this reputation from father to son, with each generation building upon the successes of the last. Recently, the 13th generation of the Trimbach family joined the estate, bringing with them a renewed passion and commitment to the family's winemaking legacy. The Trimbach family's unwavering dedication to producing outstanding wines has made them one of the most respected and renowned winemaking families in the world. The Riesling Clos Ste Hune is a truly exceptional wine, grown on the Grand Cru Rosacker in Hunawihr, with a terroir that has belonged to the Trimbach family for over two hundred years. Covering 1.67 hectares, the vineyard benefits from a south, south-east exposure on a subsoil dominated by Muschelkalk limestone and yellow limestone, giving the wine a specific fragrance and remarkable concentration of fruit, enhanced with a refined hint of minerality at the end of the palate and an incredible length. With a small annual production of just 7,000 bottles on average, the Riesling Clos Ste Hune is a precious wine coveted by wine lovers and collectors worldwide. This high-class dry wine is racy, refined and elegant, with very ripe fruit and a very pronounced minerality that gives it its unique character. It has a signature of its own that is transcendent in great vintages, inspiring dreams with its harmony and exceptional capacity for aging. The Riesling Clos Ste Hune is a wine with exceptional aging potential, reaching its peak only eight to ten years following its bottling. It is a wine that speaks to the Trimbach family's dedication to producing exceptional wines, and its reputation as one of the world's most respected winemaking families is well-deserved. The Trimbach Clos Sainte Hune Riesling 2015 has a bright golden-tinged straw-yellow colour that is both inviting and enticing. The nose is complex, with notes of yellow apple, mirabelle, crystallized ginger and white flowers, all perfectly balanced by a lemony minerality. On the palate, this wine is dense, fresh and juicy, displaying an outstanding sugar-acid balance that is complemented by an opulent mouthfeel. The wine is nicely lifted by penetrating notes of mirabelle, lime, wet stones, lemon peel and almond, all of which come together to create a truly exceptional taste experience. The Trimbach Clos Sainte Hune Riesling 2015 is a wine that showcases the Trimbach family's dedication to producing exceptional wines that are both complex and balanced. With its outstanding sugar-acid balance and opulent mouthfeel, this wine is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the rich and layered flavours of a truly great Riesling.
Trimbach Grand Cru Geisberg Vignoble du Couvent de Ribeauvillé Riesling
Domaine Trimbach, nestled in the heart of Alsace, France, was first established as a winery in 1626 by Jean Trimbach, who settled in Riquewihr and began the Trimbach families winemaking journey. Over four hundred years, through 13 generations the family's passion for viticulture has been unwavering. Relocating to Hunawihr in the 1840s, and settling in Ribeauvillé after World War I, where the winery is based today. Each generation continually honed their craft, ensuring Trimbach's enduring legacy in the world of wine, in particular Alsatian Rieslings. Domaine Trimbach's dedication extends beyond exceptional wines. Committed to sustainable practices, they have achieved certified organic status for all 63 hectares of their vineyards. These vineyards, spread across the picturesque villages of Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Mittelwihr, Kientzheim, and Turkheim, benefit from diverse terroirs, infusing each wine with unique characteristics. Domaine Trimbach's most renowned wines are the Clos Sainte Hune and Cuvée Frédéric Emile Rieslings. The legendary Clos Sainte Hune hails from 1.67 hectares of the prestigious Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard. Renowned for its elegance, minerality, and exceptional aging potential, this Riesling is a legend among aficionados. While Clos Sainte Hune was first produced in 1919, the first vintage of Cuvée Frédéric Emile was not released until 1967. The fruit is sourced from a contiguous vineyard plot that straddles the Grand Crus of Geisberg and Osterberg, overlooking the Trimbach winery and the town of Ribeauvillé. And with a few more hectares of vineyard behind it, Cuvée Frédéric Emile finds its way into the wine lists of top restaurants all around the world. Indeed, at last count it was listed in 25 Michelin three-star restaurants in France alone. Geisberg is the third smallest of the Alsace Grand Cru sites and is composed of many terraces over limestone and sandstone subsoil. In 2008 Trimbach were granted the lease of the holding owned by the Convent of Ribeauvillé, on the condition that both the village and the Grand Cru were recognised when selling the wine. The first release of this wine was from the 2009 vintage. Previously this parcel was dedicated to being assembled with with GC Osterberg into the famous Frédéric Émile. One of the three smaller Grand Crus in Alsace, it is only 8.53 ha. The Trimbach’s 2.6 ha plot is on limestone and dolomite marl soil, with old vines over 50 years old, small terraces with steep slopes facing south - creating a unique terroir. The grapes are selected at maturity then crushed and delicately pressed in a pneumatic press. Vinified in a dry style in stainless steel vats. No malolactic fermentation or long ageing on lees in order to preserve freshness, liveliness and fruity aromas. Bottled in spring following the harvest, then aged two years minimum in the cellar before release. Pronounced aromas of citrus, candied fruit, honey and bergamot. The acidity is precise and, coupled with optimal ripeness, provides a juicy sensation of fresh lemon. Fantastic energy and structure with saline mineral notes. Delicious in its youth, it is a wine that can be kept for over 20 years and which will then reveal all the richness and complexity of its terroir.
Trimbach Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling
TRIMBACH Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling, Ribeauville
Domaine Weinbach Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine Riesling
Product Information: 2022 was a sensational vintage for dry riesling from the grand cru sites with granitic soils, such as the Schlossberg. Without a doubt the pinnacle is the Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine Riesling 2022, which Stuart Piggot describes as "a perfect masterpiece of minerality". Concentrated and still very youthful, with energetic stonefruits are the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. Cuvee Sainte-Catherine is made from the prime mid-slope plots on Schlossberg between 320 and 420 meters above sea level. This combination of altitude, low-vigour soils and low yields is potent and yields a deep, dry, mineral Riesling with intense freshness to balance the wine core of fruit. A worthy investment, for well dressed cellars. Maker: Domaine Weinbach is celebrated as one of Alsace's top producers and, by extension, one of the finest aromatic estates globally. Despite its acclaim, it remains refreshingly modest. Under the stewardship of the Faller sisters, Catherine and Laurence, the Domaine manages 27 hectares of predominantly Grand Cru vineyards, including the renowned Schlossberg. Since 2005, they have embraced biodynamic farming. Domaine Weinbach’s wines, known for their power and purity, rank among the best aromatic whites available today. They offer exceptional quality at a price comparable to top white Burgundies and premium German Rieslings. Positioned at the base of the grand Schlossberg hill, Domaine Weinbach’s "wine stream," named after the small stream that runs through it, was originally built by Capuchin monks in 1612. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A prominent figure in Alsace, Théo Faller was a outspoken promoter for the recognition of Alsace wines as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and dedicated himself to enhancing the Estate’s quality and terroir. From 1979, Théo's wife Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence continued his legacy with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine Faller, alongside her sons Eddy and another Théo, has been at the helm, perpetuating the Domaine’s tradition of producing exceptional Alsace wines. Vineyard: The 2022 releases from Domaine Weinbach underscore the estate’s brilliance. The growing season was notably dry and warm, with no disease pressure affecting the pristine fruit. While the dryness was manageable and did not lead to drought conditions, yields were lower than average. This reduction, however, resulted in wines of remarkable concentration and vibrant fruit flavours. Domaine Weinbach’s wines are renowned for their longevity and consistent high standards, a tradition that has been upheld for decades. Riesling is the star in 2022, with four distinct options. Cuvee Theo, from the sand and gravel of Clos des Capucins, alaways the most approachable. Cuvee Colette stands out for its impressive minerality and power, coming from granite at the base of the Schlossberg hill. The Grand Crus from Schlossberg are exceptional: Schlossberg itself comes from the highest, poorest soil at the top of the hill (98 Points), while Cuvee Sainte-Catherine is made from the prime mid-slope plots on Schlossberg. Stuart Pigott awarded Cuvee Sainte-Catherine 100 points, calling it "a perfect masterpiece of minerality." These are truly timeless wines—worthy of investing in now to enjoy their rewards in the years to come. Nose - Amalfi Lemon, Taut Yellow Fruits, Flint Spray of ripe Amalfi lemon zest, ripe and so fresh, imbued with a touch of smoke - like rocks bashed together. Palate - Stone Fruits, Meyer Lemon, Piercing Acid Ripe, juicy, mouth-watering Amalfi and Meyer lemon are the stars on the clean-cut, taut and stony palate, and their juiciness and aroma make the mouth water Finish - Stony Minerals, Lemon Zest, Mouth Coating Finis The mouth-coating, zesty finish lasts and lasts. Where the other wines have pith, this has zest.