2016 Domaine Weinbach, Riesling, Schlossberg Grand Cru, Vin d’Alsace, France.
The 2016 Grand Cru Schlossberg by Domaine Wenbach is a gorgeous wine, it has always been a favorite of mine and this vintage really shines with fresh intensity and an inner beauty which unfolds with precise details and graceful textures. Domaine Weinbach, one of Alsace’s great estates, was originally founded by the Order of Capuchin monks back in 1612, property was a walled in and self contained site making some of the best wine in the region. The “Clos des Capuchins” is the vineyard that surrounds the domaine, it sits directly below the prestigious Schlossberg Cru (the first terroir in Alsace to receive the status of Grand Cru), along with the Grand Cru Furstentum (known for Gewürztraminer and as well as to the adjacent Altenbourg Cru (known for Pinot Gris) vineyard that rises above the Weinbach clos. The domaine is in the heart of Kayserberg’s hills and valleys one of the most picturesque places in Europe. The grapes used in this bottling come from the highest plots of the famous grand cru, making for a ripe, but steely dry wine with good fresh acidity and with an underlying power, Weinbach thrived in 2016 as did the Alsace region, it’s a vintage that offers classic Alsace quality and wonderfully balanced wines, especially this lovely dry Schlossberg Riesling with it’s pretty golden color in the glass and it’s liquid rose petal bouquet. Layers of nectarine, pithy apricot, lemon/lime, quince and tropical notes all come through on this fine Riesling, gaining spicy details and stoniness with air that adds some balanced savory elements to the core of yellow fruits. Look for a richer palate with a very more years in bottle, even though I am smitten with the vibrancy and vigor it shows right now, drink now and or over the next 5 to 10 years.
($46 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
