2020 Trimbach Gewürztraminer Alsace

The 2020 Gewurztraminer opens clear, bright and fresh on the nose that is still dominated by rather spicy phenolics at this early stage. Round, lush and elegant on the palate, this is a refined, tense and salty/mineral wine with a serious and stimulating structure. Tasted in June 2024. We published reviews of 18 vintages of the iconic Riesling Clos Sainte Hune in one of the last issues, including the latest from 2019, which has been cultivated in the grand cru Rosacker for 100 years. Beyond that, and as always, I tasted a pretty wide range from vintages here in spring and in late autumn last year. All the crus, whether grand cru or not, are of superb quality. The 2020 Gewürztraminer Muehlforst is a Best Buy; the 2020 Pinot Gris Grand Cru Osterberg is one of the finest Pinot Gris I tasted in Alsace last year; and the Riesling cuvée Frédéric Emile, no matter if the 2018 or 2019, should be seriously considered as a wine to purchase.(SR)

Surprisingly light for a Gewurz, almost airy on the palate. It shows off this sweet-tart candy character that instantly made me think of Smarties, playful and a little nostalgic. There's a soft floral note in the background, but it never turns perfumy or heavy. The balance keeps it refreshing sip after sip, making it a bottle that disappears quicker than you'd think.