2008 Domaine Trimbach, Riesling “Clos Ste Hune” Alsace, France.
Lithe and sexy, the 2008 Clos Ste Hune feels younger and more textured than the 2007, and shows wonderful mineral definition, inner energy and length, truly one of the world’s great wines, especially this vintage with it’s life and classic terror details. With less petrol/diesel the 2008 shines with white fruit intensity, charm and subtle rosewater/perfume, it drives with vigorous acidity, but fills out remarkably on the palate with Grand Cru expansion, showing unripe apricot, peach, lemon/lime, green apple, quince and tangerine layers as well as saline, wet river stones, intriguing earthy/loam and verbena. The mouth feel is gorgeous, you get the same pleasure here as you get from a great Meursault or Grand Cru Chablis, it’s a wine that shows fantastic flexibility and class, it’s presence is undeniable, joyous and has the impact you’d expect from a red wine! The Clos Ste Hune, one of the most unique monopoles in Alsace if not the planet, lovingly crafted by Trimbach, imported by Esprit du Vin and the Taub Family, is one of those wine experiences you search out and are sure not to miss when the chance comes your way, I was so blessed to get this opportunity, big thank you to Terri Penquite of EDV for showing the full lineup of Trimach including this very special wine, but also their impressive Reserve Pinot Gris, Riesling and the alluringly exotic Ribeaupierre Gewürztraminer. Trimbach’s drier style and long cellar life is clearly on display in the current set of wines, in particular this amazing 2008 Clos Ste Hune is like history in the glass. With air it gathers richness, almost leesy creaminess that you find in a white Burgundy, absolutely graceful and regal, wow, super impressive, this is a 20 plus year wine easy, best to age another 12 years if you are lucky enough to have it.
($269 Est.) 96 Points, grapelive
