F. E. Trimbach, Clos Sainte Hune, Riesling, AOC Alsace, Grand Est, France, 2007
This wine: lot No. a single bottling run, so no lot number, varietal riesling, fermented to dry in stainless steel over 4-6 weeks, aged in cellar for at least 6 years before release, unoaked, coated natural cork closure, 13% abv, BBR, £134.68 (08/13)
Consumer tasting note: a highly aromatic and complex Alsace riesling from the top vineyard of an important producer. The nose is unmistakably riesling, with notes of yellow and green citrus, stewed cooking apple with a honeyed-nutty dimension emerging, with just a touch of petrol. A medium body with a significant grip (unoaked), with a palate of yellow and green citrus, lightly caramelised stewed apple and almond oil. Drink now – RTD, but will develop further over 5-10 years, and keep longer – Wait. Finishes very long. No need to decant, but savour straight out of the bottle over 30 minutes, or so.
WSET style tasting note
Appearance: clear and bright, pale intensity gold, showing tears [no deposit].
Nose: clean, pronounced intensity, developing, with aromas as they come, of baked apple, warm lemon pith, waxy, lime flesh edged with gorse flower (a delicate coconut-like aroma), a more precise aroma of lime as scratched lime skin, the merest suggestion of petrol, stewed cooking apple, ripe grapefruit flesh, lemon peel, a hint of anise, a honeyed-nutty suggestion, an edge of thin caramel.
Palate: dry, medium (+) acidity, medium (+) alcohol, medium body, medium (+) intensity, a smooth almost oily texture, with a significant grip, with flavours of lemon pith, lime flesh, baked grapefruit, stewed apple with a caramelised edge, almond oil, a nutty edge. A long length (>40s) with a finish of yellow citrus edged with nuances of cut cooking apple, and a persistent moderate grip.
Quality: outstanding, perfectly balanced acidity with alcohol, in keeping with the strong intensity and similar concentration; showing a high level of complexity, with primary citrus and orchard fruit, and riesling’s signature tertiary development note of petrol emerging, along with honey, nuts and caramel. Finishes resoundingly long.
Drinking readiness/ageing potential: can drink now, but has potential for further ageing over say 5-10 years, and will keep longer – ticks all the boxes for intensity, concentration, a developing complexity, a very long length, and residual primary fruit to work with.
