2013 Albert Boxler, Chasselas, Alsace, France.
This cooly crisp and stylish white from Alsace is an interesting and dry detailed wine that really pleases, made from Chasselas, a grape much more common in the higher elevations of the Savoie and in Switzerland. The Boxler Chasselas starts with vibrancy and lots of steely citrus showing hints of white flowers, lemon/lime, white peach and tangy melon. With a bit of air you get some wet river stones, a hint of tropical fruit, creamy pear and a touch of flinty spice, making this a charming lighter style white that is well crafted. This is very clear and transparent stuff, pure and mineral driven with subtle earthy tones and light herb notes, it also has a very smooth and polished mouth feel without having weight or sweetness while still having a a certain briskness, this is impressive and is superb with shellfish and cheeses. After tasting through almost all of Boxler’s lineup of 2013’s I find myself wondering if this Chasselas is not their best offering, really it is that poised and enjoyable, I honestly though the Rieslings were seriously dull in comparison! Now that Kermit Lynch imports Albert Boxler it shouldn’t be too hard to find this wine, and I think you should try it, it is a truly a brilliant effort and another must have for summer, best to drink this one over the next 2 to 3 years and celebrate it’s lovely freshness, I want a few bottles myself to pair with mussels, claims and maybe some oysters!
($27 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive