2010 Marc Tempe, Riesling, Zellenberg, Alsace, France.
Marc Tempe is a small family estate in Zellenberg, and is one of Alsace’s top guns, his wines are exceptional and soulful, especially his Rieslings like this beautiful 2010 Zellenberg. The Tempe wines all come from biodynamic vines and he employes natural winemaking techniques and long elevate, this rich and mineral driven Riesling was aged on it’s lees between 18 and 24 months in mostly neutral foudres. There is depth and length that will surprise you here, even though this is the village level wine and I highly recommend trying the 2010 Tempe wines, this one and his Pinot Blanc, these are unbelievably good wines for the money. The 2010 Zellenberg Riesling starts with a nice leesy, floral and steely nose with dried roses, crushed stones, lime flower and clove notes leading to a zesty, but full palate of citrus, apple and stone fruits with white peach, apricot, lime and granny smith along with river rock, tropical notes, saline and earthy tones. The lingering grapefruit, mango, white cherry and chalk stay on the aftertaste a long time, this is wonderful and stylish crisp and dry wine, drink over the next 3-5 years.
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com ($26.95)