2014 is an exceptional year for Alsace and for riesling it is perhaps the greatest some of us have ever seen

Transcription

1 2014 is an exceptional year for Alsace and for riesling it is perhaps the greatest some of us have ever seen Joanna Locke MW ASJUN16 thewinesociety.com/alsace

2 SPECTACULAR RESULTS 2014 is an exceptional year for Alsace and for riesling it is perhaps the greatest some of us have ever seen. The wines are in the classic mould with glorious fresh acidity that will ensure they have a long life ahead of them. Climatic conditions were not generous, so the sometimes spectacular results are thanks to vigilance and strict selection in the vineyard and cellar. Alsace perhaps benefited more than any other region in France in 2014 from its green credentials. Many of the successful producers work organically or biodynamically, which necessitates an intimate knowledge of terroir, a watchful eye on the vineyards and, especially important in 2014, hand-harvesting. Damp, warm weather in August and into September was ideal for the pesky Suzukii fruit fly, which was prolific across Europe in 2014 causing a great deal of damage, especially to the coloured grapes and in lower-lying or less well-ventilated vineyards. Many grapes had to be discarded, dramatically reducing the size of the crop in some cases, thus continuing the run of short vintages in Alsace. However severe in some cases, its effects were localised, and though yields are down quality is up and we found delicious wines in all styles. AN AWARD-WINNING RANGE We were delighted that in 2015 the International Wine Challenge once again voted The Society s Alsace range the UK s finest, for the eighth consecutive year. We take great care to choose for members the cream of the crop and we hope that you take advantage of this selection of 2014s; if the choice appears overwhelming then the five mixed cases provide a good variety of top wines to enjoy. Joanna Locke MW/Marcel Orford-Williams Society Buyers PEOPLE Marcel Orford Williams first visited Alsace in 1989 and has been a passionate ambassador for Alsace wines ever since. The range he has built up at The Society has been the envy of the trade, winning numerous awards over many years. I am excited to take up the baton and will take full advantage of Marcel s unparalleled knowledge as I take over the buying responsibilities this year. The selection below was the result of a buying trip I attended with Marcel in February. Over the last year Alsace has lost some of its most influential characters and dynamic personalities: Léon Beyer, Jean Meyer and, most recently, Etienne Hugel. Their contribution to the world of wine has been immeasurable, their support for The Wine Society unfailing, and they are greatly missed. Family was deeply important to them all and we are delighted to maintain close ties with each. The wines from these great houses are a fitting testament to their huge contributions to the wine trade. Joanna Locke MW Society Buyer Grand Cru Schoenenbourg vineyard overlooking Riquewihr PINOT NOIR Pinot Noir Réserve Cuve 7, Trimbach 2014 Named after the large oak vat in which it was first produced, this réserve wine comes from high-performing pinot vines largely in the Rotenberg vineyard in Ribeauvillé. Classically styled with silky texture, bright, fresh fruit and fine length on the palate. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 198 dozen Pinot Noir Côte de Rouffach, Muré 2014 The fine result of strict selection and barrelfermentation without new oak from specialists in the pinot noir grape. Bright cherry, bramble and strawberry fruit and gentle silky texture. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 216 dozen Key - Bone dry to intensely sweet THEWINESOCIETY.COM/ALSACE 2

3 PINOT BLANC, AUXERROIS & BLENDS Pinot Blanc, Trimbach 2014 Refreshing, lively and elegant pinot blanc with auxerrois, its delicacy on the palate in no way undermines its propensity to complement classic dishes such as tarte flambée, onion tart or quiche. 12.5% ref AS-AL bottle 107 dozen Alsace, Cuvée Trimbach 2014 A delightfully fresh 50:50 blend of muscat and sylvaner to complement the asparagus which adorns the label but it makes a refreshing and appetising aperitif too. More delicate in both aroma and body than The Society s Vin d Alsace blend. 12.5% ref AS-AL bottle 111 dozen Pinot Blanc, Domaine Ginglinger 2014 Refined, round and creamy pinot which comes from vineyard parcels owned by the Ginglinger family, whose base is in Eguisheim just south of Colmar. Refreshing minerality on the palate. 12.5% ref AS-AL bottle 119 dozen Pinot Blanc, Domaine Mochel 2014 We arrived at this family property close to Strasbourg only just in time to snap up the last of Guillaume Mochel s delightful pinot blanc: creamy brioche nose, very pure, delicate and mineral but with lovely texture too. Traditionally labelled Klevner. Now to % Available as part of the Alsace 2014 Mixed case only. See the back page for details. Pinot Blanc, Domaine Weinbach 2014 Finely balanced pinot blanc from one of the top, more southerly estates in Alsace. Gently rounded with creamy texture and full flavour. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 179 dozen Alsace Hagenau, Domaine Louis Sipp 2014 A new discovery this year, from four parcels of vines of four different grape varieties within the Hagenau vineyard: riesling and sylvaner make up approximately 60% of the blend, with the balance pinot gris and gewurztraminer. Made in a dry style, with riesling-led aroma and fresh, linear palate and a wonderful seam of supporting acidity. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 210 dozen A view typical of the Alsatian town of Colmar Pinot Auxerrois H Vieilles Vignes, Josmeyer 2014 A rich and rounded old-vine white from the only auxerrois vines in the heart of grand cru Hengst (acknowledged here by the H in the name). The aroma is lifted by notes of stone-fruit and quince, the palate is softer and fatter. A Josmeyer signature wine that keeps well and matures more like a pinot gris. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 240 dozen PINOT GRIS & SYLVANER Sylvaner, Léon Beyer 2014 Dry, food-friendly white with a hint of peppery spice and a twist of honey and apple flavour. Satisfying and refreshing. 12% ref AS-AL bottle 95 dozen Pinot Gris, Léon Beyer 2014 Fully dry pinot gris is relatively rare and the Beyers have made it a speciality. Still young, and well structured, this wine cries out for food, which will bring out its softer side and reveal its true colours. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 162 dozen Sylvaner Réserve, Domaine Weinbach 2014 Finely honed sylvaner with just a hint of spice and a lovely fresh palate. Its persistent acidity makes it an ideal match for shellfish, but there is depth here too. Drink this year and next. 13% ref AS-AL bottle 167 dozen Pinot Gris Trottacker, Domaine Louis Sipp 2014 From a vineyard north of the grand cru Osterberg, this has a refreshing minerality which lifts the palate, and the potential to deliver a classically rich, spicy, smoky pinot gris. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 186 dozen Sylvaner Grand Cru Zotzenberg, Boeckel 2014 The only grand cru sylvaner, a grape perfectly suited to this more northerly site in the village of Mittelbergheim. 50-year-old vines are picked relatively early to deliver perfect balance between gentle spice, old-vine richness and a fine backbone of freshening acidity. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 210 dozen Pinot Gris Roche Calcaire, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2014 A bone-dry gris from predominantly chalky soils, a good portion from the Jebsal vineyard, plus younger vines in the Clos Windsbuhl vineyard. Still young, this will benefit from slow bottle development Like a chardonnay says Olivier Humbrecht. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 228 dozen Pinot Gris Grand Cru Eichberg, Kuentz-Bas 2014 The dry climate of the Eichberg (the hill of oaks ) vineyard produces rich, complex, long-lived wines. Pinot gris is a speciality of Kuentz-Bas and this young wine will reward patience, its smoky, salty, mineral restraint gradually blossoming into a poised and rewarding bottle. Now to % ref AS-AL Pinot Gris Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel 2014 The grapes come from Hugel s own vineyards including grand cru Sporen (high concentration and maturity, low acidity) and Rosenbourg (altitude and acidity). The result is a powerful yet balanced wine with wonderful richness, silky texture, and spice notes with a refreshing mineral tang. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 354 dozen GROSSI LAÜE, FAMILLE HUGEL Grossi Laüe means great growth in the Alsace language and is the name given to a new range which replaces the Jubilee selections from the 2010 vintage. Grand cru wines in all but name the brainchild of Etienne Hugel who died tragically young earlier this year these are limited edition bottlings with labels designed to reflect the heritage of this great Alsace house. 3

4 MUSCAT Muscat Réserve, Trimbach 2014 Delicate bone-dry muscat that is the perfect match for the young asparagus of summer, but equally for the lighter spiced and fragrant Asian cuisine or as a palate pick-me-up year round. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 138 dozen Muscat Grand Cru Kirchberg, Kuentz-Bas 2014 Distinctive and pristine muscat with pineapple and passionfruit aroma, lovely depth and freshness on the palate. A delight. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 228 dozen Muscat, Domaine Weinbach 2014 Gorgeous muscat offering all the hedonistic pleasure of this truly grapy grape. Dry but seductive in texture, with enticing length on the palate. A bottle that is likely to disappear all too quickly! Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 264 dozen GEWURZTRAMINER Gewurztraminer, Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2014 A star of the vintage when Olivier Humbrecht declassified most of his gewurz grands crus. Copybook rose and spice aroma, then rich and textural but beautifully fresh on the palate. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 143 dozen Gewurztraminer Haguenau de Bergheim, Domaine Rolly Gassmann 2014 This single-vineyard mineral-rich gewurz from Pierre Gassmann has heady pot pourri and spice aromas, with tisane and floral perfumed creamy palate. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 276 dozen Gewurztraminer Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel 2014 A powerful and impressive wine from Hugel s own holdings known for their long-lived gewurztraminers. Rich, creamy and spicy on the palate, this wine is still in its infancy. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 312 dozen Gewurztraminer Cuvée Laurence, Domaine Weinbach created a tiny crop of gewurztraminer, so small that this also includes wines from the grand cru Altenbourg. Rich and full-bodied with a touch of sweetness. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 336 dozen To order thewinesociety.com/alsace

5 RIESLING Riesling Brandluft, Boeckel 2014 Brandluft is a lieu-dit (single vineyard) currently being considered for the likely new premier cru appellation. A standout wine on our visit earlier this year: very pure, with light floral aroma and a wonderful seam of acidity. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 138 dozen Riesling, Léon Beyer 2014 Classically styled, bone-dry riesling in the Beyer tradition. Still restrained on the nose, with floral aroma, very fine and with great persistence on the palate. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 143 dozen The Society s Exhibition Alsace Riesling 2014 The finesse displayed in this elegant riesling is no surprise from the delightful Meyer sisters, but there is good structure too. Dry and appetising, with long, lingering citrus flavour. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 150 dozen Riesling Réserve, Trimbach 2014 Masters of riesling, Trimbach have recently extended their vineyard holdings and now have more older-vine domaine fruit to play with for this réserve selection. Still young and restrained on the nose, vigorous, fine, long and mineral on the palate. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 174 dozen Riesling, Famille Hugel 2014 The redesigned Estate Riesling, formerly labelled as Riesling Tradition, with grapes mostly from the grand cru Schoenenbourg vineyard in Riquewihr. A wine of precision and concentration with lively acidity, which is just hitting its stride. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 192 dozen Riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg Lieu dit Hertacker, Domaine Ginglinger 2014 From one of two parcels on the Pfersigberg vineyard, Hertacker is the less sunny of the two, producing exquisite riesling with racy acidity and great length. Will benefit from another year or two in bottle. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 204 dozen Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergbieten Cuvée Henriette, Domaine Mochel 2014 A beauty of a wine from young Guillaume Mochel and the north of Alsace: floral and lime-scented, richness without fat, mineral but approachable. Best kept a while but oh so delicious now! Now to % ref AS-AL12941 Riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg, Kuentz-Bas 2014 The last vintage from a 68-year-old east-facing parcel on the south of the grand cru Pfersigberg, since pulled up. An impressive wine, young and full-bodied, with a strong mineral backbone. Now to % ref AS-AL12951 Riesling Le Dragon, Josmeyer 2014 The lieu-dit Le Dragon vineyard in the commune of Turckheim owes its name to folklore and its strong personality is acknowledged by the single cask which bears a chalk drawing of said dragon by winemaker Isabelle Meyer. Young and muscular, rich and saline, a wine of volume supported by solid structure. Now to % ref AS-AL12911 Riesling Les Ecaillers, Léon Beyer 2014 Superb classically-styled riesling from Marc Beyer made with grapes from grand cru Pfersigberg in Eguisheim. Dry, with solid structure, this is still young and tight but the flavour goes on and on, promising a long future. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 270 dozen Riesling Grand Cru Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé, Domaine Louis Sipp 2014 Fine rather than ebullient, this beautiful white is intensely floral with hints of lime reminiscent of the very best Clare Valley rieslings. Subsoil fractured like a keyboard, says Etienne Sipp, and a propensity to develop botrytis add complexity to great precision and length on the palate. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 282 dozen Riesling Clos Häuserer, Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2014 From a cooler vineyard situated just below grand cru Hengst, this is a wine with tremendous cellaring potential. We tend to buy this wine when it ferments dry but in 2014 there is a little residual sugar, retained intentionally to balance the marked acidity. Fine minerality here and great length. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 324 dozen Riesling Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel 2014 From the heart of the grand cru Schoenenbourg, a sensational riesling combining bright mouthwatering acidity, fine balance and great concentration. Best kept another year or two, or decant to reveal a taste of the richness and complexity to come. Now to % ref AS-AL bottle 384 dozen 5

6 MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY 2014 ALSACE RIESLING: CLASSIC COLLECTION A 12-bottle case containing three bottles of each of the following: Riesling Les Ecaillers, Léon Beyer 2014 The Society s Exhibition Alsace Riesling 2014 Riesling Réserve, Trimbach 2014 Riesling, Famille Hugel ref AS-MX ALSACE RIESLING: GRAND CRU & FINE TERROIR CASE A six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following: Riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg, Kuentz-Bas 2014 Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergbieten Cuvée Henriette, Domaine Mochel 2014 Riesling Brandluft, Boeckel 2014 Riesling Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel 2014 Riesling Clos Häuserer, Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2014 Riesling Grand Cru Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé, Domaine Louis Sipp 2014 ref AS-MX HUGEL GROSSI LAÜE 2014 MIXED CASE A six-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: Riesling Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel 2014 Gewurztraminer Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel 2014 Pinot Gris Grossi Laüe, Famille Hugel ref AS-MX16125 INTRODUCTION TO ALSACE 2014 A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: The Society s Exhibition Alsace Riesling 2014 Alsace, Cuvée Trimbach 2014 Sylvaner, Léon Beyer 2014 Gewurztraminer, Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2014 Pinot Gris Trottacker, Domaine Louis Sipp 2014 Pinot Blanc, Trimbach ref AS-MX16126 ALSACE 2014 MIXED DOZEN A 12-bottle case with a saving to encourage exploration, containing one bottle of each of the following: Pinot Blanc, Domaine Ginglinger 2014 Pinot Blanc, Domaine Mochel 2014 Alsace, Cuvée Trimbach 2014 Pinot Blanc, Trimbach 2014 Sylvaner, Léon Beyer 2014 Riesling, Famille Hugel 2014 Pinot Gris Trottacker, Domaine Louis Sipp 2014 Muscat Réserve, Trimbach 2014 Gewurztraminer Haguenau de Bergheim, Domaine Rolly Gassmann 2014 Gewurztraminer, Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2014 The Society s Exhibition Alsace Riesling 2014 Riesling Le Dragon, Josmeyer 2014 ref AS-MX16127 THE SOCIETY S PROMISE Uncork with confidence 149 A SAVING OF 9.50 The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise This offer is open until Sunday 24th July, 2016 while stocks last. To order thewinesociety.com/alsace NATIONAL WINE RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2015 WINNER For full offer terms and conditions visit thewinesociety.com/terms